ethiopia country information

Country Profile:

The third most populous country in Africa, Ethiopia is among the world's oldest Christian nations, and the only African state never colonized. It is located in the scenic Horn of Africa, landlocked by Eritrea's 1993 secession. Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city. More than half of Ethiopia consists of a high plateau and mountains with the climate and vegetation varying according to elevation. Coffee originated in Ethiopia's Kaffa region. Other staple crops include teff, wheat, and barley. Issues include droughts, rapid population increases and rampant unemployment.

Population:

73 million

Ethnic Groups:

Oromo 40%, Amhara and Tigrean 32%, Sidamo 9%, Somali 6%, Afar 4%, Gurage 2%, Other 1%

Languages:

Four language groups of Semitic, Nilotic, Omotic, and Cushitic. Over 80 languages are spoken in the country with Amharic as the official language with its own alphabet. Local languages are used as official languages in the regions.

Religions:

Ethiopian Orthodox 35%, Muslim 35%, Protestant 17%, Animist 9%, Other 4%

History:

Semitic people crossed the Red Sea and settled Ethiopia during the 1st millennium BC. Egyptian Coptic Christianity was adopted by the 2nd century AD. In the 7th century, the Aksum kingdom declined but reasserted its authority in the 13th century, with Muslim invaders retaining control of the coastal area and the southeast. Benito Mussolini invaded in 1935 but was removed in 1941. Marxism reigned in Ethiopia from 1974 to 1991 when the authoritarian government of MENGISTU Haile-Mariam was toppled. A new constitution became effective in December 1994, and national and regional opular elections were held in May and June 1995, May and June 2000, and the third election occurred in May 2005 but the results have been disputed and the opposition leaders have been jailed.

Economy:

Currency: Birr ( BR )
GNI(Gross National Income) per capita: $90 (US: $37,610)
Exchange Rate to USD: 8.7 Birr
Ethiopia remains one of the world's least developed countries. It’s economy is based on agriculture, which accounts for more than half of GDP, 90% of exports, and 85% of total employment. Industry contributes less than 14% of GDP. In the past 25 years, Ethiopia has been exposed to repeated natural as well as man-made disasters. It suffers from rapid population growth, slow agriculture production growth, irregular climatic conditions and famine. Major medium-term problems include the need for improvement of roads, water supply, and other parts of an infrastructure badly neglected during years of civil strife. Renewed fighting with Eritrea has hurt economic improvement.

History of FHI/Ethiopia:

FHI began working in Ethiopia in 1974, with a partner organization, to deliver emergency relief to famine victims. In 1984, FHI became fully established in Ethiopia to more fully undertake relief and rehabilitation activities in response to the severe drought and famine. By 1989, most programs had moved toward long-term development. These integrated development programs seek to be participatory, integrated and sustainable. Through its programs, FHI has achieved major results in natural resources management, reforestation and water development, including planting 3.5 million trees and fodder seedlings in 1985 alone.

FHI focuses on six main sectors of development: agricultural production/natural resource management; water and sanitation; primary health care; HIV-AIDS prevention, care and support; education; and income generation. FHI also provides developmental relief and rehabilitation for communities and regions experiencing or recovering from natural disasters.

Medical facilities:

There are several local clinics available for minor ailments and injuries.
The developed hospitals are only available in Addis Ababa, which can be reached only by FHI vehicles or domestic flights.

Practicum Overview:

Team 1:

Week 1 -- Orientation, HIV-AIDS Projects (Addis Ababa, Ziway)
Weeks 2-4 -- South Gondar (6 students)

Team 2:

Week 1 -- Orientation, HIV-AIDS Projects (Addis Ababa, Ziway)
Weeks 2-4 -- Belo Jegonfoy (2 students)

Team 3:

Week 1 -- Orientation, HIV-AIDS Projects (Addis Ababa, Ziway)
Weeks 2-4 -- Sasiga(2 students)

Preparatory Week:

Orientation (1st week) -- Upon their arrival, all intern students will have a one-week orientation in Addis Ababa (or Ziway) prior to the field program.

(DAY 1) Visitation #1: Institute of Ethiopian Studies, (National Museum and library of Ethiopic collection) located at Addis Ababa University Campus (formerly the 1st Palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I, Addis Ababa). This will help introduce interns to the country, people and culture.
(DAY 2) Visitation #2: HIV-AIDS program in Addis Ababa or Ziway. FHI staff will guide students to various NGOs working with vulnerable people and children in the capital or Ziway (two hours drive, about 160km from the capital.)
(DAY 3 - 5) TESOL (Teaching English for Speakers of Other Language) 2 or 3 day orientation at Addis Ababa. Ms. Loretta Widemann holds an MA degree in TESOL. She did her research on ‘TESOL in East Africa’, and has 9 years teaching experience at Addis Ababa Bible College and other training institutes in Ethiopia. The teaching methodology students learn can be applied in training Sunday school teachers and teaching Bible lessons during their Practicum.
(DAY 3-5) Cultural Orientation: FHI team coordinator will discuss how churches are doing Children Ministries. The challenges, opportunities and the need to serve the whole person incarnationally will also be addressed. There will be a brief discussion and planning for life in Ethiopia, including slide shows and documentary videos.

De-briefing:

After returning to Addis, students will spend a day sharing their experiences and presenting their findings.

Specific requirements for interns placed on FHI/Ethiopia field:

Openness to local food (spicy and oily)
Patience (for slowness of life)
Enthusiasm to teach children in primary schools and the surrounding churches
Adaptability to communal life and very little personal privacy (e.g. share meals and bedroom together)
Creativity expected to teach children and train Sunday school teachers with materials locally available or purchased (in Sasiga and Belo Jegonfoy)
Empathy/ sympathy for children who are victims of HIV/AIDS
Desire to communicate Christ cross-culturally
Openness to learn from other cultures
Courage to transform values
Teachable heart to local people

Work practicum for all sites:

Students will be placed in pairs in communities where FHI works.

TESOL - Teach English at local primary school and
Strengthen local church leaders to minister to children through Sunday school, music, sports, arts. (in Sasiga and Belo Jegonfoy)

NOTE: Students will need their own special funding and come prepared for activities requiring teaching aids, crafts or handouts.

Field trip - development activities:

Students will accompany FHI staff to visit project sites addressing issues such as, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Road Construction, Animal Husbandry and HIV/AIDS prevention activities.