2 minute read
Bringing hope to families in need
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Malnutrition is a challenge that continues to affect millions of people across Ethiopia. In Emdibir, the Church and community are working together to reach out to families in most need.
Holding her youngest child close to her chest, Neela* watches over the two older children entrusted to her care as they play outside the family home. Only a few months old, Ajani* is frequently sick, and Neela worries for her son’s health. She often struggles to provide for the basic needs of her family, including food, and she cannot afford medications or treatment.
With malnutrition a contributing factor in over 50% of deaths in children aged under five years in Ethiopia, Neela knows her son’s situation is extremely serious.
Sadly, Neela’s story is not uncommon.
Over 70% of families in the region of Emdibir are unable to put enough food on the table each day. The majority of families are reliant on subsistence farming to provide food for themselves.
Growing up in Emdibir, Fr Habtesilassie Antuan has experienced these challenges too, and is desperate to share the love of Jesus by helping his community.
Having opened and run the Deberety Farm in Embidir since 2018, Fr Habte has witnessed firsthand how this community farming project has supported those in need. By growing produce such as enset, a hardy banana-like fruit, avocado and coffee, the farm has been a blessing for local families. But this is simply not enough.
To reach more families, Fr Habte and the community want to expand the farm to include a Goat Rearing Centre as their milk is extremely nutritious, their meat is commonly eaten, and they are less expensive to purchase and easier to care for than cows.
“So, this is a multidimensional benefit when we think of a goat breeding program. There are many children with malnutrition.
“When we asked what was required, we thought it was goat’s milk, especially goat’s milk, which contains essential nutrients for a baby.”
To ensure that the goats produce nourishing milk for families in need, veterinary medication and feed must also be stocked to help keep the animals healthy.
These supplies, along with shelter for the goats, are critical for establishing and sustaining this program, which aims to reach out to families in most need like Neela’s. As Fr Habte says,
“A person who understands the idea that God is love, a believer who cares about his fellow man, grieves, and makes every sacrifice possible”.
Your partnership with Fr Habte and the Church in Ethiopia can bring hope for families in Emdibir. Please give generously today by scanning the QR code above or going to catholicmission.org.au/community. •
*Name altered to protect identity
Bishop Musie Ghebreghiorghis OFM (Image: Two boys outside a Church in Emdibir, Ethiopia.)
