Ethiopian Sponsorship Programs
Currently, the format and management of AAI's sponsorship programs are being restructured to fit the laws, goals, and mission of the Ethiopian government. The newly constituted sponsorship program will be more in line with the Ethiopians' dreams for their children. The new programs will enjoy the oversight, audits, and approval of the Ethiopian government. For a complete details of this initiative, please read the prospectus written by Abebe, Director of Humanitarian Projects in Ethiopia, and received by AAI on December 23, 2011.
Opportunity House Project is registered and licensed sponsorship program. As this program is already up, running, and fully recognized and approved, we are able to take tax deductible contributions at this time. For $35 a month, sponsors will be placed on an e-mail list and Abebe, the director of the program, will send out periodic e-mail updates with photos.
As we move forward with the important work of restructuring, we want to honor the tireless efforts and financial commitments made by hundreds of generous donors since 1997. Over the years, faithful contributors have changed the lives of countless children and their families.
What is the challenge? Years of terrible events, including war and disease, have produced a society where many children have no parents. Often elderly grandparents or other relatives try to raise these children, but many are too old or are in such deprived circumstances that they simply cannot provide even the basics. As a result, there are many children being relinquished to orphanages or fending for themselves in the streets.
Educational sponsorships are a crucial way that AAI has helped orphaned and vulnerable children to stay with family members or other loving caretakers and to continue to receive the education which will ensure a better future. Over the years, we have supported hundreds of children in various parts of the country and even helped some children achieve their dreams of higher education or vocational training.
The new, government authorized sponsorships will focus on educational programs aimed at providing children with the skills and knowledge necessary to attain self-sufficiency and family-wage jobs as adults.
Will you please join us and raise a new generation in Ethiopia, a more educated, equipped generation who can help to stop the cycle of poverty in their nation? Your continuing support will ensure that these children receive a basic education and will open up opportunities they never thought were possible. By making an investment in a child's future, you will be making an impact in our global community and more importantly, in the life of a child. Please contact Erin@adoptionadvocates.org AAI Sponsorship Coordinator to set up your educational sponsorship of an orphaned or vulnerable Ethiopian child. Our sponsorships also make great gifts for grandparents and others who will enjoy knowing they are helping an Ethiopian child to thrive!
The Bright Futures Fund
In addition to the sponsorship opportunities described above, AAI has created the Bright Futures Fund to provide for the children who have been in our care but who did not find adoptive families before their 18th birthdays. Seven young women who had lived at Layla House for several years were determined to be above the age eligible for a visa to the United States. We are committed to ensuring that they have a "bright future" - a good education and the ability to live independently in the country of their birth. The girls are all now attending a good school outside of Addis that will help them re-integrate into Ethiopian society. Currently it costs an average of $43 a month for tuition, school expenses, and living expenses.
This is a group sponsorship program and donors will receive a periodic newsletter about the progress of these young adults. We welcome one-time as well as recurring donations to this Fund. Please contact Erin@adoptionadvocates.org for more information.