Child Sponsorship background from Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
A look at the projects run by SOS Children for orphaned and abandoned children in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, and an overview of the surrounding area.
SOS Children's Village Bahir Dar
The SOS Children's Village Bahir Dar is situated in the town and is situated approximately 565 km from Addis Ababa. The closest major town is Gondor, about 185 km away.
The SOS Children's Village Bahir Dar comprises 12 family houses, a village director's house, an administrative building, an SOS aunts' house (SOS Children's Village mothers in training, who assist present SOS mothers in everyday jobs, and substitute them in case of illness or holidays), a guest house, a bakery, a multi purpose hall, and a small shop.
Other SOS Projects in Bahir Dar
Approximately 100 children from the SOS Children's Village and its vicinity are taken care of at the adjacent SOS Nursery School, consisting of four classes, a kitchen, adjoining rooms and a playground. The SOS Primary and Secondary School was opened in autumn 2003. Over 420 pupils are taught in 12 different classes, in a school equipped with a workshop, a library, a sports ground, and administrative units.
Despite the scarcity of capital available to the SOS Children's Village in Bahir Dar, it is always engaged in spreading its positive influence beyond its doors into the neighbourhood. Those children from the neighbourhood which are most in need are selected by a committee, entitling them to material aid such as shoes, clothing, and stationery items for school. Public schools unable to operate due to a lack of equipment are directly assisted with items such as blackboards.
Background to Bahir Dar
Bahir Dar is located on the Southern shore of Ethiopia's largest lake (and one of the two main sources of the River Nile). It is approximately 578km north-northwest of Addis Ababa. It is estimated to be the fastest growing city in Ethiopia, with a population of 160,000.