Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte of Denmark embarked on a significant work visit to Ethiopia in January 2025, to explore the vital projects supported by Denmark, including the DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency) initiative implemented in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia. Princess Benedikte, who has been a patron of SOS Children’s Villages since 1995, continues to play an active role in supporting the organization’s efforts in improving the lives of children and families in need.
The journey began with a warm welcome at the SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia’s National Office in Addis Ababa. Prior to the visit to SOS Children’s Village Jimma programme location, the Princess was introduced to Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage where all staff were adorned by traditional clothing and a coffee ceremony in act. The welcoming atmosphere was enhanced by a “Kirar” performance, a traditional Ethiopian stringed instrument.
The Princess was then welcomed by the International Director of Eastern and Southern Africa Region Mrs. Senait Gebregziabher and Multi-Country Director Mr. Sahlemariam Abebe. After a brief introduction, the days agenda began with a heartfelt speech from the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Denmark Mr. Mads Klæstrup Kristensen, expressing his pleasure in accompanying the Princess to Ethiopia. This was followed by remarks from Denmark’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mr. Sune Krogstrup, who also highlighted the importance of the visit and the enduring partnership between Denmark and Ethiopia.
As the gathering unfolded, Princess Benedikte shared a touching anecdote about her first time meeting the late Emperor Haileselassie of Ethiopia where her parents hosted the Emperor, his wife and his son at their palace in Denmark.
In a moment of unexpected warmth and local tradition, Multi-Country Director Mr. Sahlemariam Abebe invited the Princess to participate in a highly symbolic Ethiopian custom: the cutting of traditional bread known as “Difo Dabo”. A sign of respect and hospitality in Ethiopian culture. The Princess was also invited to partake in pouring and serving coffee, an essential social ritual in Ethiopia, where coffee is served as an expression of hospitality and community. Delighted by the experience, Princess Benedikte embraced the moment, honouring the rich cultural practices that form the heart of Ethiopian social life.
As a gesture of appreciation, Mrs. Senait Gebregziabher and Mr. Sahlemariam Abebe presented Princess Benedikte with a traditional Ethiopian “Kaba” a fine, embroidered garment representing Ethiopian formality. The “Kaba” further added to the Princess’s grace and elegance, connecting her with the cultural traditions of Ethiopia in a tangible way.
As the Princess admired the intricate craftsmanship of the “Kaba”, she was also presented with a gift symbolic of Ethiopia’s global reputation: Ethiopian coffee. This thoughtful offering encapsulated the hospitality and generosity the Princess had experienced during her visit, rounding off her time on a high note.
After the Princess’s visit to SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia’s National Office, Princess Benedikte of Denmark travelled to Jimma programme location where SOS Children Villages Denmark has been a major PSA for nearly 13 years. Upon arrival, the Princess was warmly welcomed by Programme Director Mr. Dereje Mosisa, who ensured her first few hours in Jimma were filled with warmth and hospitality.
The visit began with a delightful surprise: a traditional dance performance by the children of SOS Children's Village Jimma programme location. Following the dance, Mr. Dereje Mosisa presented the Princess with a special gift a “Siinque,” a traditional stick which represents the empowerment and rights of women in the Oromia region, and it was a thoughtful offering, reflecting the rich traditions of Jimma city.
The Princess, intrigued by the “Siinque” engaged in a meaningful discussion about its cultural significance before moving on to the part of her visit she had eagerly anticipated: meeting the children of Jimma programme location. One visit at a family house, in particular, left a lasting impression on the Princess’s heart. The Princess met a young boy named Bereket, who had created a painting depicting his personal journey. The painting illustrated the profound transformation in his life, thanks to the support he received from SOS Children’s Villages. Bereket’s heartfelt story touched the Princess deeply, and she was eager to learn more. Their conversation lasted a while, with the Princess gaining a glimpse into the transformative work of SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia and the profound impact it has on the children’s lives.
As the Princess continued to explore the village, she was struck by the enduring impact of SOS Children’s Village Jimma. She walked through the long-standing homes that had provided love and care to countless children who might otherwise have grown up without such support. The strong and dedicated caregivers, the peaceful atmosphere, and the expansive youth facility designed to foster extracurricular activities for young people left the Princess with a deep sense of contentment and admiration for the work being done.
The visit concluded with a stop at Mendera Kochi Kebele, where SOS Children’s Villages family empowerment programme works with a Women’s Saving and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO). This organization provides beneficiaries with access to loans, promote income-generating activities, and empower individuals to improve their lives. The Princess was greeted by several beneficiaries, who shared their powerful stories of resilience, change, and the transformative impact of SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia’s support in their lives.
The final stop of Princess Benedikte’s visit to Ethiopia was at the Youth Center in Keranyo, Addis Ababa where she was introduced to the “Leave No Youth Behind” project. Launched in 2022 in partnership with DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency), the initiative focuses on advocating for the rights and needs of young care leavers. At the center, the Princess received a welcoming speech from the SOS Children’s Village Addis Ababa programme director Mr. Andualem Getachew, followed by a project briefing that highlighted the impressive outcomes and impacts of the initiative since its inception. The Princess also heard from members of the National Care Leavers Association Coalition, who shared their personal experiences and the ways in which the coalition serves as a unified platform representing care leavers across Ethiopia.
Princess Benedikte’s visit to SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia was a powerful one where the Princess witnessed the positive changes being made in the lives of vulnerable children, young people and their families. From the Princess’s heartwarming encounters with the children to her exploration of the organization’s impactful initiatives, the Princess witnessed firsthand the transformative work being done by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia.