21 July 2025

In April, I had the privilege of traveling to Ethiopia to meet with our partners and to see the progress of the projects that are funded by our supporters. I had the pleasure to meet 7 of our partners in 4 regions. From the high plane of Addis Ababa to the dry heat of the Afar dessert, and through the greener scenery of the southwestern city of Jimma, I had the chance to see a lot of what makes Ethiopia such a diverse and unique country. More importantly, I was able to witness the incredible work that is being achieved by our partners.  

Most of this work, as it were to be expected, takes place in difficult circumstances. Security challenges remain a key issue, as ongoing internal conflicts and unrest throughout the country hinder our partners’ efforts and expose their staff to considerable danger. High inflation and a long-lasting economic crisis have also significantly increased the cost of operations and limited the number of people that our partners can provide crucial services to—a situation that the recent pause in USAID funding has only worsened. In addition, natural disasters make existing crises worse and often give rise to new emergencies—with prolonged droughts leaving people at risk of dying from thirst. 

With such a grim account, it might be easy to feel a sense of fatality, or at least to feel somewhat discouraged by the task at hand. But this is not what I saw and heard from our partners. On the contrary, convinced that their work is transformative, they want to do more, and they ask to be empowered to do more. And transformative their work really is—I had the privilege to witness just how much.  

In Debre Behran, 120km north to Addis Ababa, I saw the incredible work of JeCCDO that enables women in vulnerable situation to start their businesses and earn a sustainable income to support their families. In Afar, I was impressed to see the extent Valerie’s team goes through to reach remote communities, and how much progress has been made in convincing clan leaders to put a stop to the harmful practice of FGM. In Addis Ababa, I was humbled to see how the compassion and support of Hospice Ethiopia’s nurses made a difference in the well-being of their patients, both physically and mentally, who suffer from severe forms of cancer or other diseases. I was also moved to see how bringing a simple colostomy bag could make such a difference—it would too for me, if, due to a national shortage and the high cost of medical supplies, I had no choice but to use pieces of cloth instead. 

And of course, the work done to restore the dignity and hope of the women affected by fistula is something that I will never forget. I will especially remember the contrast between the women waiting for surgery at the hospital where Hope of Light works, and those in rehabilitation at Healing Hands of Joy’s programme. The tears, shame and fear that I witnessed at the hospital were transformed at the rehabilitation centre by smiles, a returned confidence and a sense of excitement for the future. I interviewed two women at the hospital, and two Safe Motherhood Ambassadors. All four of them shared a similar feeling: without the work of Hope of Light and Healing Hands of Joy, their lives would not have improved the way they did. They all agreed to speak with me because they wanted to express their gratitude to everyone, everywhere, who helped transform their lives — and in the hope that, by sharing their stories, more women might have the same chance to heal through the programme of our partners. One Safe Motherhood Ambassadors told me with a radiant smile: “in my prayers, I do not only include my family and close ones, but all those who I know have enabled me to heal.”  

This transformative work, all those lives changed for the better, would not be possible without the support from all of you in Australia. And for that, and on their behalf, I want to use this opportunity to thank you for supporting Ethiopiaid. By donating, you are giving hope, you are restoring dignity, you are providing vital assistance: you are changing and saving lives. Thank you. 

• Adrien Baur, Partnerships & Fundraising Officer

Are you interested in learning more about the impact you are making? Adrien would love to chat with you! Please give him a call at 0493 978 150 or write him an email at adrien@ethiopiaid.org.au.  

Do you want to contribute to the incredible work our partners are doing? Please donate.