Why Ethiopia?

Adoption is a long standing tradition of the Oromo people in Ethiopia. The only word for adoption in Ethiopia, “Guddifacha”, comes from Afaan Oromo (Oromo is the largest tribe in Ethiopia, approximately 40% of the population).Although adoption is a common practice in Ethiopia, many children couldn’t find homes….

Children of Ethiopia Need YOU

There are an estimated 4 million orphans in Ethiopia. This high number is a consequence of several issues, including food insecurity, lack of access to contraception and exceptionally high birthrates in rural areas. However, of the 4 million orphans, the majorities are such because of the loss of parents from HIV/AIDS or are abandoned due to poverty. Needless to say, Ethiopia is among one of the poorest countries in the world and, accordingly, is one of the highest ranking in maternal and child mortality. The World Health Organization’s, 2006 World Health Statistics reports infant mortality at an appalling 166 per 1000 live births in the country.

In most cases, abandoned children who are found by police in hidden places are taken to orphanages. Many of the vulnerable orphaned and abandoned children, however, are left to live in extremely difficult circumstances. Numerous do not go to school, are forced to live on the street, and get caught up in child labor. The head of the country’s adoption authority admits that the $115 million a month needed to care for orphans in Ethiopia is simply out of the question, when compared to the country’s annual health budget of $140 million. Thus, for some, overseas adoption is the only and best option.