Ethiopia

Enhanced protection for vulnerable girls and boys

Icon Icon Icon

In Ethiopia, ongoing conflicts and attacks by armed groups are leading to mass displacement. Many of the internally displaced people have little or no access to basic necessities such as food, healthcare, or education. Women and children are particularly vulnerable and affected by violence and exploitation. We are committed to providing protection to girls and boys in vulnerable situations and ensuring their access to life-saving measures.

At a glance

Target audience

More than 11,000 internally displaced children and adolescents, as well as over 5,000 adults, in the host communities of Wukro and Adigrat in the eastern Tigray Region

Goal

Improved protection for vulnerable girls and boys through access to life-saving, inclusive child protection measures and food security, as well as the reduction of violence and abuse

Partner

ChildFund Ethiopia, TBCFDO, Joining Forces, Federal Foreign Office

Background

Millions of internally displaced people live in Ethiopia and are dependent on humanitarian aid. In the Tigray region alone, in northern Ethiopia, more than one million people are in urgent need of food. Ongoing conflicts and recurring droughts have further exacerbated the situation for some time now. Food insecurity and a lack of protection—especially for children—have become a daily reality in this East African country. 

 

Many children no longer have caregivers, some live on the streets, and must fend for themselves. They often drop out of school to work, are married off at a young age, and face an increased risk of abuse, neglect, and health complications. Numerous school closures—as schools are repurposed as shelters for internally displaced persons due to a lack of collective housing—further complicate living conditions and the protection of children. Humanitarian aid is urgently needed to strengthen children’s rights and ensure their well-being. We are therefore committed to improving access to food, healthcare, and education, as well as minimizing exploitation and violence.

Ethiopia is one of the least developed countries in the world. About 87% of the population lacks access to an adequate drinking water supply.

Since January 2024, nearly 1.4 million people have been affected by acute food insecurity due to a prolonged drought in Tigray.

The number of reported cases of conflict-related sexual violence continues to rise. About 40 percent of the survivors affected are under the age of 18.

Donate to Ethiopia now!

Help girls and boys in need now!

Our Work in Ethiopia

Our goal in Ethiopia is to reduce violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children affected by crises and food insecurity. To achieve this, we take action at various levels.


At the individual level, we directly empower girls and boys in crisis situations by improving their knowledge, skills, and competencies regarding child protection and nutrition. Among other things, we support mothers with breastfeeding and educate them about nutritional risks for young children, provide aid packages containing food and hygiene items, and offer income-generating activities as well as psychological support. 

At the family level, we help parents protect their children as best as possible. To this end, they participate in workshops where they learn more about child protection risks, healthy nutrition, and how to appropriately support their children. We also support families with vouchers, essential in-kind assistance, and flexible emergency aid, including starter kits to help them build a secure livelihood.


At the community level, we strengthen comprehensive child protection mechanisms. This ensures that, in the long term, there will be fewer risks to children and adolescents, allowing them to grow up in a safe environment. We also promote food security for all and improve access to education and health services.

Your donation makes a difference!

Awareness-Raising Session

Training sessions promote awareness of child protection, gender-based violence, health, and the environment.

Donate €10

Dignity Kit

A Dignity Kit contains informational materials on the risks of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), menstrual health, and hygiene management, as well as hygiene supplies and first-aid kits.

Donate €48

Non-Food Item Basket

The special aid packages include, for example, clothing, hygiene items, and solar lamps.

Donate €206

Give children a future now

Your donation helps create a world where children can grow up safely, develop freely, and overcome poverty.

Häufig gefragt

What does ChildFund Germany stand for, and what is the goal of its work?

Our goal is to bring about lasting improvements in the future prospects of children in need, their families, and their entire communities. Through our commitment to these children and families, we aim to make a positive difference and create lasting improvements, always guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This enables them to exercise their rights, overcome poverty and dependency, and lead independent and self-determined lives.

How can I be sure that my donation actually reaches its destination?

The efficient use of the donations entrusted to us is our top priority. To ensure that our aid is used in a highly targeted manner, we rely on close collaboration with local partner organizations in all the countries where we operate, so that our assistance meets the specific needs on the ground. Furthermore, all our support is guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This ensures that the people in our projects benefit from long-term and lasting changes and, in the long run, no longer depend on aid but can live independently and self-determinedly. Our transparent and responsible handling of donations is also confirmed by the DZI Donation Seal, which we have been awarded continuously since 1995 by the German Central Institute for Social Issues.

How does ChildFund Germany work?

Our work is made possible by three sources of funding: sponsorships, other donations, and public funds. Our projects funded by sponsorships are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.

 

The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.

 

In all projects, ChildFund plays two specific roles: First, raising funds so that the project work can be implemented at all. And second, bringing together and building bridges between those who provide money and expertise and those who lack these resources. The goal is to maximize mutual benefit from the collaboration and to advance our projects in the most effective way possible.

What kinds of projects does ChildFund Germany carry out?

Our projects, which are funded through sponsorships, are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.

 

The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.

What regions and issues does ChildFund Germany focus on?

We operate in various countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Our work focuses primarily on education, nutrition, livelihood support, and child protection, as well as humanitarian aid in emergency situations. Issues such as health and climate protection are also central to many of our projects.

How can I support ChildFund Germany?

There are many different ways to support our work. From a one-time donation to a regular donation as a “Future Donor” to becoming a sponsor, you are free to choose the form of support that best suits you. Long-term and particularly sustainable support can also take the form of a foundation or a bequest. We also offer a range of customized support options for businesses and schools.

How many people does ChildFund Germany reach?

Through our work, we reach people in over 30 countries around the world. Our projects benefit more than 80,000 children, their families, and their communities.

Give children a future now

Your donation helps create a world where children can grow up safely, develop freely, and overcome poverty.

Or become a sponsor?

Donation account: Postbank | IBAN: DE61 6001 0070 0001 7107 02 | BIC: PBNKDEFF