The Challenge

The Crisis

How was your day today? Did you get the train to work or get dropped off at the school gates by your parents? You may have enjoyed a hot shower and breakfast to set yourself up for the day.

We take so many things for granted living in a fully developed country. Can you imagine how different life would be without these creature comforts?

That’s the reality for some of the world’s poorest people. In Ethiopia alone a staggering 35 million people live in abject poverty. That’s approximately 44% of the population. Almost 12 million of these people are affected directly by food insecurity.

In Gondar, the problems facing local communities are even greater.

Since conflict erupted in 2020, almost 2.7m children have stopped attending school across northern Ethiopia.
“Approximately 2.6 million children of primary school age are not in school, of which 43 percent are boys and 57 percent girls. Only 25 per cent of secondary school aged children are enrolled in secondary school. ”
— Unicef

  • Conflict erupted in November 2020, forcing people to flee from their homes as they were preparing for harvest

  • COVID-19 arrived in Ethiopia in 2020 and compounded other crises such as drought, locusts and food insecurity

  • The worst locust outbreak in 25 years has underlined a disastrous few years for Ethiopia, particularly in the north of the country

  • Some 20.4m people in Ethiopia require food support in a country where a string of disasters have lessened development gains made over the last few years

How is the war affecting our children?

The ongoing situation in Tigray and the northern half of Ethiopia is directly impacting our children. Listen to our Country Director Birara, as he explains how some of the children have been affected.

Why Gondar?

Gondar is the capital city of the Amhara region with a population of 120,000.

Gondar is widely regarded as a centre for education, hosting the oldest medical university in Ethiopia.

Children from St George’s have a wide range of opportunities on graduation. Links developed by the school mean that the children’s onward development is safeguarded.

Gondar is one of the poorest areas of Ethiopia, but is rich in culture and history.

Gondar is often referred to as ‘the Camelot of Africa’, serving as the seat of government for the Solomonic Dynasty in the 16th century.

Churches and palaces adorn the city, a reminder of its significant past. Although the city has been in decline, Gondar remains an important cultural centre and serves as a reference point for St George’s pupils and their possible future endeavours.

“I feel a social responsibility. We need to open people’s eyes. There is a lack of education in Ethiopia.”
— Haile Gebrselassie

Sponsoring a child at NAEF connects one of our wonderful children with a brilliant sponsor like you!

We suggest a monthly sponsorship of £30 or an annual sum of £360 which is enough to provide all necessary materials for a year at our school.

NAEF is the perfect opportunity for sponsorship as you will see your child grow and develop.