From: Belay, Dinsry, Sibilu, and Trent (pictured above L-R)

Every child deserves to be raised in the loving care of parents. It is, however, the case that children lose their parents for different reasons or parents face challenges that limit their capacity to raise children properly. In such situations, children become primarily disadvantaged. The situation progressively deteriorates and children are often separated from their family members and lead life on the street. In some cases, they may lose their life due to the hardships they pass through.

While children are primary victims when they live in difficult circumstances, the community and nation they belong to also becomes disadvantaged in the long-run. Ethiopia is home to millions of orphan and vulnerable children. The problem of orphans is multi-faceted and calls for concerted effort of multiple organizations. While we continue to see encouraging local responses to the plight of children, there is more to do given the magnitude of the need of orphan and vulnerable children.

DEBO’s annual Orphan Summit will bring together those from all sectors: families, NGOs, business, churches, government, child welfare practitioners and other interested individuals in a bid to deliberate and consult on ways to increase the growth and impact of family-based services to the orphan and vulnerable children of Ethiopia. The Summit will discuss ways to expand existing good practices and encourage people for meaningful action to address the need of orphans.

We believe your attendance brings valuable input to the summit and enable you to acquire new knowledge and skills to serve orphan and vulnerable children better.

We can’t wait to see you there!