Ethiopia – Volunteer

The AAI Volunteer Program places qualified English speaking adults at our children's home "Layla House" in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Volunteers serve together in many capacities where they act as kind mentors and positive role models, and offer glimpses of American life to the orphaned children who are waiting for their adoptions to be processed.

The goals of the volunteer program are to:

• Familiarize the children with 'ferengi' (foreigners or white people) through positive interactions and consistent contact with a variety of English speaking adults.
• Expose the children to American English and culture in an informal and supportive manner.
• Provide varied opportunities for the children to connect with English speaking adults who can mentor them and help ease the transition into their American family.
• Assist the Ethiopian staff in a variety of ways to ensure that the children receive as much positive affection as possible.
• Provide a positive experience for volunteers so that they will become ambassadors for AAI and the orphan children of Ethiopia.
• Integrate cultural sensitivity into all aspects of the program.

Volunteers must meet the following criteria:

1. Are not in the process of adopting.
2. Are over the age of 18.
3. Are able to commit to spending at least one month at Layla House.
4. Can provide references and a clean criminal background check.
5. Are able to cover all expenses – including transportation to and from Ethiopia, housing ($9.00 US per night for stays less than 90 days) and all other in-country expenses.
6. Are very flexible and able to adapt to a group living situation and a variety of tasks and responsibilities working with children ranging in age from a few weeks old to 14 years.
7. Are fluent in English and willing to learn some Amharic. Any level of fluency in Amharic would be very valuable.

If you believe that you have the skills and interest to help us meet the goals of the volunteer program, please contact our volunteer coordinator Susan Holmgren at .

Volunteers are also needed on occasion at the office in Port Angeles. Please contact Merrily Ripley at for more information on those opportunities.