Feature: Volunteering in Ethiopia

There’s a lot to discover in East Africa’s Ethiopia – which is a country the size of France and Spain combined. The striking Christian ceremonies haven’t changed in 1000 years and the country’s incredible history means ancient tombs and 17th century castles dot the land. The landscape is also stunning - with huge mountain ranges and lush lowlands the further south you go.

However, there is another side to this amazing country – because of unpredictable rains and a lack of food in the northern part of the country, Ethiopia suffers from drought, famine and poverty. It’s heat warming to know that a lot of work has gone into trying to predict and prevent famines and international aid generally does lots of good. But the country still needs a lot more support and, especially with the current famine, volunteers are needed more than ever. So here are just some of the ways you can help out...

Healthcare
There is a real shortage of skilled physical therapists and doctors in Ethiopia. If you’re training to be a therapist then you can really make a difference in the country. Projects Abroad works alongside a charity in the capital of Addis Ababa, which provides advice, healthcare and education to families living with HIV. HIV is a major concern in many poor African countries, and if you chose to help the Project Abroad programme, part of your job will be to increasing people’s knowledge and awareness of the disease, in order to prevent further spreading. You’ll also be able to provide physical therapy to help ease the suffering of children with terminal illnesses.

Alternatively, if you have graduated with a degree in medicine, Projects Abroad offers opportunities for you to work as a doctor in Ethiopia. Depending on your graduate level, you’ll be placed in different types of clinics or hospitals - but as conditions are in no way the same as the west, you need to be prepared for some quite shocking circumstances. Both internships come with local accommodation and food.

Care
Due to the devastating famines that have occurred over the past 30 years, and a rising HIV epidemic, thousands of children have been left orphaned all over this large country. The need for volunteers cannot be emphasised enough - many children can’t even dream of living a normal life. Love Volunteering offer orphanage work from anything up to two years. And as the charity is completely non-profit, the projects are some of the cheapest you’ll come across.

Some of the orphans on this programme have even been abandoned at a hospital after birth because their families cannot afford to keep them. By counselling, caring, teaching, cooking and cleaning you’ll be able to enrich their lives in a way they’ve never known. You’ll stay with a local family which is a great way to learn more about this fascinating country. Local food is included too, such as the traditional bread, injera, and spicy meat stew known as wat.

Farming
Lying in the arid highlands of South Western Ethiopia live the Konso people, a large tribal people who live in defensive villages and live their life off of intensive farming. Set in a lush hill in this magnificent region is the Strawberry Fields Eco-Lodge; a collection of hotel, farm, restaurant and cultural awareness centre. Here you can learn about Konso culture through workshops and lectures or get involved with the only Permaculture project in Ethiopia, where nature’s own patterns are used in farming to minimize waste and maximise output over a long period of time.

While it’s possible to volunteer in exchange for full room and board, if you have an agricultural background you can undergo an internship to become a trainee permaculture farm manager. They are also looking for electricians and carpenters to install solar equipment and build new rooms. The last two positions are paid. But if you have another skill you think might be useful, it’s probably best to get in contact!

Teaching
Another great way to help out is by teaching school children a range of subjects. Advance Africa offer two week to six month placements working in needy schools where it will be your job to teach students between the ages of four and 17. While you live with a local host family, it will be your job to teach English, sports, and computer skills as well as with helping out disabled students. In some instances you’ll even need to help local teachers with their English skills, in order to increase their confidence and give them more skills for a brighter future.

Ethiopia is a fascinating destination so far removed from the Western world. With diverse landscapes and a welcoming people, you’ll feel very humbled working here...

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