Ethiopia, the country on the Horn of Africa.
The country lies completely within the tropical latitudes and is relatively compact, with similar north-south and east-west dimensions. The capital is Addis Ababa (“New Flower”), located almost at the center of the country. Ethiopia is the largest and most populated country in the Horn of Africa.
We, Salesian Sisters, are serving at present in five locations with six communities: Addis Ababa (2), Adwa, Dilla, Zway, and Gubrie. We present you these five places where our adventure takes place every day.
Dilla is a town immersed in the green Gedeo zone. It is a stunning place full of coffee plantations and other natural products.
The two kindergartens in Dilla, operated by Salesian Sisters (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians), provide education and social development services for about 360 children. The Salesian Sisters also provide the children daily nutritious meals. The student sponsorship program helps poor children to have access to quality education. A large number of new children want to attend our kindergarten every year. With the help of many benefactors, this dream is made a reality through their generous sponsorship.
Mary Help College
Inspired by the spirit and style of Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello, MARY HELP COLLEGE aims to meet the need in Ethiopian Society for integral and qualified education for young people. The Salesian Sisters, through Mary Help College, reach out especially to the most disadvantaged areas.
Mary Help College consists of three departments: Information Technology, Fashion Design, and Secretarial Sciences. The college can accommodate about 500 students, but a large number of students are still unable to attend the school due to a lack of facilities. Most of our students have completed grade 10 or grade 12 with a formal curriculum and choose our college for various reasons. While they attend Mary Help College for two years, they study to obtain a diploma and gain practical experience before taking the final qualifying exams.
Clinic
We manage a dispensary that is well attended by many people in need of medical care. The ultrasound facility in the Clinic attracts many people from different parts of the country, allowing us to help the vulnerable through our dispensary. Once a week we also contribute FAFA powder rich in nutrients and vitamins to malnourished children, sick people with HIV, TB, and disabled children.
Catechesis in the Parish and Sunday Oratory are other activities that we offer weekly.
Our Ethiopian adventure is remarkable. Come and spend some time with us.
You will fall in love with the warmth and goodness of our children!