Volunteering Projects in Ethiopia

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Volunteer Feedback from Ethiopia

Lori

"I still laugh at my initial nervousness and uncertainty about volunteering. It's been an amazing, eye-opening experience, and I'm so glad I know these eight beautiful, unique children who appreciate everything they have. While I was trying to make an impact on their lives, they've impacted mine more than they'll ever know." "I've never before known children so incredibly excited to practice their multiplication tables or to tell me about what they learned at school that day. They're all amazingly bright and sweet in their own ways. They're so giving and genuine and FUN."

Mandy

"And so it began; our relationship with eight incredible boys. Eight boys who had experienced more in their seven to fourteen years than we had in twenty-eight and twenty-six. Each with an incredible story of living on the street and begging for food for their entire lives so far."

Evelyn

After 2 weeks at Mercy, 5 of the resident boys were returned home and 5 new boys entered the boys home. These boys spoke no English and were in much more need of teaching and help than the previous boys. we divided the group in two (old and new boys) and worked out a teaching program for them, which turned out to work really well. We taught the new boys the alphabet, sounds, colours, numbers, body parts, basic phrases and terms and did art, music, painting, football with them. It was really useful that between us we had brought a lot of supplies and I would really recommend to the next volunteers to do the same. Without the paper, pencils, colours, paints, flashcards and games it would have been more difficult to teach in a way that was fun. It was an amazing experience and i am so glad i did it. Its a wonderful but very difficult country to spend time in and it is something i will remember for the rest of my life. The children are fantastic and Namerud and Zena have done amazing work and given up a lot to help them. It would be great to see volunteers continue to contribute to the home but it would also be great to see it expanding to accommodate more children, considering the desperate need there is in the country.

Chang

Your first priority for volunteering in Addis is encouraging the children's education as a tutor. There is one schedule which was made by me and other two volunteers from Canada but it can be very flexible. Thus you can try different methods or ideas after discussion with staff of Mercy Home. There are two computers, musical instruments such as an electric keyboard and guitar, and a Black board, that you can use. Currently, there are 8 children at the boys home and everyone is very lovely and has a good personality. Their age is from 7 to 15 years and they always admire volunteer and enjoy to hear your personal experience. Your work is not tough but it will need your initiative and much participation. And I think that it will be good experience for you to know about Ethiopia. There are so many good places to visit, enjoy and to learn about Ethiopia . I bet your one month will be worthwhile.