Op-ed by the National Director of SOS Children's Villages in Ethiopia – 18.10.24

50 years of impact in action!

Op-ed by Sahlemariam Abebe

National Director of SOS Children's Villages in Ethiopia

 

As we mark our 50th anniversary, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and emotion. Our story at SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia embodies resilience, hope, and unwavering commitment, defining a narrative of perseverance and dedication. From humble beginnings, we have faced hardships and triumphs alike. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: our deep-rooted belief in the power of love and care to transform lives. This milestone is not just about numbers; it’s about the countless smiles, futures shaped, and lives forever changed.

Over the past five decades, we have reached 8.1 million individuals nationwide with our impactful programmes. As we look forward to culminating our yearlong commemoration activities of our 50 years of service on October 22, I am proud of our achievements and our unwavering dedication to our mission of ensuring that children and young people without parental care grow up with the support they need.

My personal journey with SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia began 27 years ago, as a teacher at SOS Hermann Gmeiner School in Harrar. Watching students grow inspired me and continues to drive my commitment to our organization’s mission. During my time there, I noticed that while my students understood theoretical and science concepts well, they struggled with calculations. This realization inspired me to launch tutoring programs, a first for our school. Over two years, I witnessed many students flourish, enriching their educational experiences and igniting hope within them. It remains one of the most rewarding and cherished chapters of my career. I attest that countless other staff share such personal and sentimental moments that fuel their pride and passion for the work that we do.

Over the past 10 years as National Director, I witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication of our staff. I have seen SOS caregivers shielding children in conflict within the regions where our villages reside, to some leaving their homes walking miles, begging for aid when roads were closed for us not to reach with aid in time. These sacrifices are what have truly transformed SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia, allowing us to impact the lives of countless children, families, and communities in ways that once seemed impossible.

Our 50th anniversary is therefore a powerful reminder of the resilience and heart of our team, and the unwavering trust of our partners who believe in our mission. Today, SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia is a cornerstone of child and youth care in the country. We have touched the lives of over 1 million people with our family strengthening programme where we work tirelessly to keep families together and ensure that children are cared for. Through our advocacy initiatives, we strive to create safe environments for children in Ethiopia. Importantly, our collaborative work has brought attention to the recognition of care leavers as a key group in need of support in the National Youth Policy Draft.

We are dedicated to ensuring that every child in our programmes feels safe, respected, and has their rights upheld. As we navigate ongoing crises from natural disasters and conflicts, we enhance our emergency response efforts, becoming essential contributors to national humanitarian responses. Our outreach has touched the lives of nearly 2.2 million people, providing vital relief to those in desperate need.

Our flagship alternative care programme provided nurturing support to over 4,500 children and youth. Remarkably, 85% of those who grew up in our care have become self-reliant, forging paths toward bright futures.

Education has always been a cornerstone of our mission. We have empowered over 100,000 individuals through education-specific programmes, believing firmly that every child deserves access to quality education.

Our commitment to health and well-being is equally unwavering. Our very own medical centres have provided preventive and curative care to 4.8 million individuals, ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to quality healthcare.

We also believe that building community capacity is essential to creating lasting change. By collaborating with local partners, we have been establishing sustainable mechanisms that empower communities to replicate our successful models. Additionally, we play a significant role in strengthening civil societies, collaborating with governments, funders, and organizations working on the grass root.

Adaptability is crucial in our ever-changing landscape. As social needs evolve, so do our programmes. Our first ever strategic plan has been set to guide us in assessing and refining our approach to better serve our beneficiaries moving forward.

Looking ahead, I envision SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia not just as a service provider but as a facilitator, collaborating more with local NGOs and community groups to amplify our impact. I aim for us to take an active role in policy dialogues and systemic improvements to ensure long-term sustainability.

In the next decade, I aspire for us to achieve 100% self-reliance in our core budget so that we can solve our own problems and reduce dependency on international funding. This ambition demands new partnerships, deeper community involvement, and unity in our mission to empower children. My ultimate hope is to leave behind an organization with strong operations, impactful programs, and financial stability. As we aim to reach 4.5 million children by 2027, I know we are on the path to even greater impact. Together, we will create a future where every child can truly thrive.