Ethiopia: a country marked by conflict and food shortages

Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world, with about 44% of its population living below the poverty line.

Agriculture is the country's main economic source (80% of jobs) but it remains unproductive. Droughts, overgrazing and deforestation have degraded Ethiopia's land, and conflicts and war have exacerbated poverty.

Since November 2020, a war has been going on in the northern part of the country and clashes are breaking out in the east and west of Ethiopia. Many innocent children, mothers, elderly and young people have been killed... And thousands are surviving with severe trauma.

The capital of the country, Addis Ababa, is experiencing a massive rural exodus where millions of migrants arrive from villages terrorised by war and fleeing poverty in the belief that life will be safer and better there. But the housing crisis and the high level of unemployment, especially among young people and single mothers, make living conditions very difficult.

« Everything is very expensive in the market and house rents. Thousands of children are on the streets because their parents live in slums. In addition to war and poverty, the COVID-19 pandemic has also caused huge problems for millions of families struggling to get a meal a day » says Sister Tigist.

Atse Teklegiorgis: a Catholic school offering education, care and food to the poorest of the poor

It is 63 years since the Daughters of Charity established the Atse Teklegiorgis School. Today, the Atse School has 450 students and provides free education and educational materials to the poorest children from kindergarten to the third grade. These children come from very poor families. Many of them are migrants fleeing wars and conflicts. Some parents are visually impaired, disabled or single mothers.

Sister Tigist, the Rosalie project leader, explains: « he lives of many children have changed in this school. We give them comfort, meals and material support. They are physically and mentally healthy and achieve good results through hard work.  » 

While the government imposes many supervisions (and gives positive feedback every time), the school is totally dependent on the support of private donors to take care of these children.

As St. Augustine says « By serving the poor, we serve Jesus Christ. Take care of these little children, you will find God there »

A Rosalie Project dedicated to education and health to transform the lives of these 450 students

The main objectives of the school's programme are to enable very poor pupils to escape poverty through education. « We are in the 21st century, we do not want the students and teachers of Atse Teklegiorgis Catholic School to be excluded from the latest technologies. They are indispensable in the teaching and learning processes of our students. »

Supported by the Rosalie Projects, the Daughters of Charity will be able to provide each of these students with:

- food and medical support

- quality teaching materials and education

- free school supplies and uniform

- hygiene items

Sister Tigist, carrier of the Rosalie Project, expresses her deepest gratitude for your future donation in favour of the children.

With them, thanks to you