"Persevering for A Purpose "

I was browsing through Compassion International's website when I came across the story of a young man from Ethiopia.  This young man named Gezahegn attended one of Compassion International's Child Development Centers as a young boy and was later accepted into their Leadership Development Program.  Gezahegn's life reflects the positive impact that Compassion International brings to communities and villages all across the globe.  As I read his story, I was amazed to see how this organization is able to reach young people.     

To read Gezahegn's story visit compassion.com/featured-stories I guarantee that your heart will be touched!

Pictures from Ethiopia

I was looking through my Dad's pictures from his Ethiopia trip, and I came across a few that I wanted to share.  All of the kids in these pictures are part of Compassion International.

Visit compassion.com to read more about Compassion International and their programs in Ethiopia.

These students are at a Compassion site in Ethiopia. They are greeting my Dad and the other visitors by singing songs.

These little children are bringing flowers to the visitors to show their appreciation. They are part of Compassion International's Child Survival Project (CSP).

This girl (second from left) is part of Compassion International's Child Sponsorship Program. She is meeting her sponsor (far left) for the first time. Her dad (second from right) came with her to the meeting.  The lady to the far right is interpreting the meeting.

This is the same girl from the above picture.

This picture was taken inside one of the Compassion International classrooms. The students are learning English at a very young age, so that they will be able to communicate with more people.

Compassion International-Direct Impact

About a week ago, I sat down and watched video footage of my Dad's trip to Ethiopia, which took place in 2008.  My Dad and other people from various cities across the United States were able to travel with Compassion International.  While they were in Ethiopia, they visited churches, schools, and relief centers that were all supported by Compassion International through donations made my people all over the globe.  At the beginning of the video, my Dad and about 5 other people are shown riding in a van.  They bypass donkeys, shacks, and children running through the streets until they finally reach their destination--a relief center.  As my Dad an the others pile out of the car, young children under the age of 5 years old approach them carrying bundles of freshly-cut flowers.  I was humbled to see these children who were living in extreme poverty show their gratitude by giving flowers to people that they had never even met.  The relief center that these children and their families were being helped at was part of the Child Survival Project (CSP) through Compassion International.  The CSP provides a healthy environment for young children and their mothers as they struggle to survive the dangerous living conditions in Ethiopia.  This project is a great way for families with young children to get involved with Compassion International.  It allows children to be exposed to a positive way of life and it encourages them to become passionate about learning.  As I sat and watched the faces of the mothers and children in the video, I was encouraged to promote this organization even more.  Compassion International has a direct impact on the people of Ethiopia--as well as other countries all across the globe.  Please take the time to visit their website compassion.com/ethiopia to read more about the things that they are currently doing in Ethiopia.  I really encourage you to take a look at the different sponsorship opportunities.  You could change a child's life forever!

Here is a picture from Compassion International's website. These students in Ethiopia are studying at a Compassion International Project site.

       

Problems with Higher Education

I came across a blogpost this morning as I was researching Ethiopian education.  This blogpost was published in June of 2013, and it covers an issue that I was unaware of.  Aparently, educational freedom in Ethiopian is on the decline.  Many teachers, students, and faculty who work at institutions of higher learning are being routinely monitored by undercover government agents.  These agents report any one who speaks out in opposition to the current government.  For more information on this issue visit freedomfororomo.wordpress.com.  My reason for bringing up this issue is to raise awareness of the things happening in Ethiopian right now.  I encourage you to read this blogpost and reasearch more about this issue. Many students do not have the freedoms that we have been given here in America, so let's stand up for those who are less fortunate.

A New Year

Hello everyone!  I hope that you have had a wonderful holiday season.  As we start a new year, let me share some statistics with you regarding education in Ethiopia.  According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in 2011 approximately 59.1% of adults and 69.5% of youth were deemed literate.  This number rose from the previous calculations in 2007 which were 39% of adults and 55% of youth.  One reason for this increase in literacy could be the efforts made by Compassion International and other organizations that promote a healthy education for underprivileged children.  Please consider making a donation to Compassion International.  Your gift of any amount can be used to give a child hope for a brighter future.

Click HERE to make a one-time donation of any amount   :)