PROGRAMS IN ETHIOPIA

Element of Play®

Traditionally, public schools in Ethiopia started from first grade, with children entering the school setting for the first time at age seven. Without the necessary skills, 22% of children dropped out of school before reaching the second grade (Federal Ministry of Education of Ethiopia, 2012/13). The government is now adding a minimum of one year of preschool into the public education curriculum.

WWO is supporting this initiative through our Element of Play® Learning Spaces and by building the capacity of over 200 preschool teachers to deliver quality play-based learning for over 1,800 children in government-run schools. By increasing teacher motivation, giving them skills and alternative approaches to addressing behavioral issues in the classroom, the learning environment becomes a safe space for teachers and students. Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to become a part of the educational process of their children, breaking down barriers to parental engagement.

Skills Development

Beyond increasing the professional skills of public-school teachers, WWO also provides care and support for children and youth previously living in Des’s Village, now known as CBYSP. This temporary children’s home opened in 2009 at the request of the Ethiopian government. There were 41 children transferred into the care of WWO. Today, 14 children have been successfully reunited with family, adopted, or have aged out of care and are living independently. WWO remains committed to seeing the remaining 27 children find similar outcomes and will honor this commitment until the youngest (age 13) is also successfully living independently.

Camp Addis: Children and Youth Living with Serious Illness 

Since 2008, through a partnership with SeriousFun Children’s Network, we have created annual summer camp experiences for children and youth living with serious illness. Our camp provides opportunities for bonding, building friendships, and increasing self-confidence in young campers. 

In Ethiopia, Camp Addis activities are designed to teach children life-skills, interpersonal-skills, healthcare knowledge, and to renew their resilience and sense of hope in the most exciting and creative ways. Highlights of camp sessions include: a talk show about living with serious illness; a crazy costume photo shoot; daily sports; arts and crafts; and a special banquet dinner and awards ceremony on the final night of camp.