Today we had a chance to host a group from Menlo Park Presbyterian in Adama ADP. Together we visited 2 communities to learn about the Community Care Coalitions, meet children, and tried to comprehend what life is like in rural Ethiopia. 3 stories stand out!
Third, in the same village, the CCC group heard about 2 orphans who were getting their land stolen by a distant uncle. The CCC group intervened - stopped the land-grabbing - and ensured the girls were looked after. It was great to meet the girls and hear their stories. The CCC group was on a mission to care for children, stop the cultural practices that were causing harm, and ensure their community grew stronger over time.
First, in Awash Melkasa, the Community Care Coalition - with a total of 5 home visitors - were caring for 505 Orphans & Vulneralble children. Their greatest joy was the fact that they were able to take 10 of the children to run in the 'Great Race' in Addis, and one of their kids won his age bracket! He was a local star! His poster was plastered every where. He was now in Addis and had joined a top running club.
Second, in Adulala Koshe, the Community Care Coalition decided it was going to focus on combating harmful cultural traditions. The first 2 children we met were supposed to be married to older men - they were 13 years old. The CCC group intervened and got support by the local police department to ensure the girls didn't have to marry. Yeah! (As a side note, I met with one of the girls and her older brother on Friday morning just before they were set to go before the local judge to discuss the situation. Our staff was there walking alongside them. We tried to encourage them and tell them we were proud of them for being so brave.
Third, in the same village, the CCC group heard about 2 orphans who were getting their land stolen by a distant uncle. The CCC group intervened - stopped the land-grabbing - and ensured the girls were looked after. It was great to meet the girls and hear their stories. The CCC group was on a mission to care for children, stop the cultural practices that were causing harm, and ensure their community grew stronger over time.
Finally, that afternoon I had the chance to sit in a rural hut and meet a young mother. 24. She was a victim of the early marriage practice. She had an 11 year old son, and 2 other younger children. Her husband had divorced her, and she was struggling to survive. The World Vision staff and CCC group had begun helping her and were working with her to get her kids into school. She served us coffee as she told us her story. It was a struggle to understand what seems like cosmic unfairness. We get a nice life - she gets this.
