Sitting in the east of the continent, on the so-called Horn of Africa is Ethiopia, a country filled with contradictions. On the one hand showing strong economic growth, yet on the other there is widespread deep poverty. Catholics make up barely 2% of the population, although the Catholic Church maintains a great number of schools, kindergartens and social care centres.
The Salesians of Don Bosco whom Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is supporting are engaged in an important work of service in five different regions of Ethiopia. The congregation has been present in Ethiopia since 1975, and is engaged particularly in working to help disadvantaged young people including street children providing them with a safe refuge, supporting and educating them and providing them with vocational training.
The parish of Our Lady Help of Christians in Adwa, in the northern regional state of Tigray, was established in 1990 and is run today by the Salesians. It serves a community of around 220 Catholic faithful, most of whom live a hand to mouth existence. The average monthly income of most families is equivalent to between 35 and 70 US dollars, which is barely enough to survive on. In addition there are many problems in the families and they need a great deal of support.
The Salesians base their work upon three main pillars – helping the children, the young people and the families.
It is crucially important work, and ACN is proposing to help with a contribution of 14,875 Euros for the current year.
