Our Ethiopian Home is a U.S. based nonprofit, operating in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, whose mission is to provide stability, education, guidance, and hope to children who have aged out of the Ethiopian adoptive system.
The program was started in 2016 after we noticed the need for a different approach to shifting teens from orphanages to independent adult lives. Our transition home houses five young men and provides stability by covering all living expenses, education fees, and medical costs while they finish their education. But more than taking care of their physical and financial needs, Our Ethiopian Home strives to create a nurturing and loving environment where the boys can grow into mature and responsible adults.
Our program was started by Matthew Walsh Bade after frequent trips spent working with the kids at Kidane Mehret Children’s Home:
I spent two years watching the guys grow up,
and the thought of just heading home and sending them money each month, it, it didn’t feel right. Passing them from one children’s house to another seemed like treading water. I wanted them to move forward, to have the ‘normal’ childhood experiences, and, more importantly, the chance to learn from them. Sleeping in on Saturday mornings; having popcorn movie nights; getting their first pair of nice shoes to take care of; being grounded; having the chance to make mistakes, and feeling loved. I just wanted them to have their first real home.” – MWB
Returning to Sweden in 2015, Matthew knew there was something more to be done. But after researching adoptions, sponsorships, and education visas, nothing seemed like the right fit. So that’s when he had the idea to move to Ethiopia and create the home he knew the boys deserved. A highly successful Crowd Funding Campaign quickly turned this idea into a reality, and in November 2016, Matthew moved to Addis Ababa and began giving each boy the individual guidance they needed. While the initial program focused on life skills: cooking, cleaning, shopping, and overall ‘street smarts’; this training quickly crossed into emotional development as the group dealt with concepts such as responsibility, accountability, and vulnerability.
It was definitely a year to remember; moving into a tiny apartment with a
bunch of teenage boys – picture one toilet, too many people, and an inconsistent water supply! Joking aside, we’ve cried, screamed, laughed, coughed, kicked and bonded in ways I didn’t expect. I can’t explain what it’s been like to watch these boys grow into the amazing young men they are today. My entire concept of development has shifted and I’ve realized how vital it is to give young people their own platform to be independent.” – MWB
As we pushed into our second year it was time to build on our success and move forward into a more sustainable model. With the home set up, and our boys well on their way, Matthew returned to work in Sweden and began commuting annually between the two countries. The boys then eagerly took over managing the home all by themselves. While staying in contact with us they tested the waters of independence and learned to navigate their responsibilities wonderfully. With the help of community partners and regular visits from Matthew, the boys have since continued on this path to independence.
We’re now in our sixth year! Though similar to our first year, our operating budget is completely dependent on the support of donors. The difference now is that we’re registered as an official 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. So please, read over our F.A.Q. for more details about our program, and then jump over to our donation page to join us on our mission.