OUR PROGRAMS
I WILL RECEIVE IN RETURN OF MY BESTOWS.
OUR
PROGRAMS
Health Program:
MJE’s health initiatives aim to improve community access to preventive and curative services. The program supports maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), sexual and reproductive health education, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, sanitation and hygiene promotion, and access to essential healthcare through community-based outreach and health extension partnerships.
Education Program:
Believing that education is a key to breaking the cycle of poverty, MJE provides access to quality education for disadvantaged children and youth. Support includes school supplies, tutoring, remedial classes, and life skills training. The program also fosters community-school linkages and parental engagement in education.
Livelihood Enhancement & Economic Strengthening:
This program focuses on increasing the economic resilience of vulnerable households. Through vocational training, access to microfinance, entrepreneurship development, and savings groups, MJE enables families, especially women and youth to gain financial independence and reduce dependency.
Sponsorship Program:
MJE’s sponsorship initiative connects children from low-income and at-risk families with sponsors who provide regular support to cover educational, health, and basic needs. This stable backing ensures that children can grow in a secure and nurturing environment, with improved opportunities for the future.
Feeding Program:
Addressing malnutrition and food insecurity, especially among children and the elderly, MJE provides nutritious meals through its community-based feeding initiatives. This program operates in schools and community centers, improving school attendance and learning capacity while enhancing overall health outcomes.
Child-to-Child Program:
This child-rights-focused initiative empowers children to take active roles in their own development and that of their peers. Through peer learning, leadership training, and health and hygiene education, children become agents of change in their families and communities.
Social Protection Program:
MJE’s social protection framework provides psychosocial support, shelter assistance, legal aid, and emergency relief to individuals and families facing crises. The program particularly focuses on the elderly, survivors of gender-based violence, and households affected by poverty and displacement. 1. HEALTH PROGRAM
Improved Access to Health Services (reached 1 million beneficiaries)
Provided direct health support and referrals- Strengthened links between communities and local health facilities.
- Increased utilization of essential health services (e.g., maternal, child, and primary care).
- Expanded coverage of underserved populations, including rural areas and vulnerable groups.
- Improved health infrastructure, 2 clinics, and 2 primary hospitals built, equipped, and mobile outreach services provided.
- Greater community awareness and demand for health services through education and outreach. Conducted prevention education and offered psychosocial support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Helped reduce stigma and promote social reintegration.
Better Health Outcomes
- Reduced maternal, newborn, and child mortality.
- Improved immunization coverage and disease prevention.
- Decreased burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- Improved nutrition and reproductive health indicators.
- Reduced healthcare costs through early prevention and intervention.
- Strengthened resilience of communities to health emergencies and pandemics.
Bethlehem Abebe is a strong and resilient 30-year-old mother from Butajira town, Keble 05. Her inspiring journey reminds us of the power of hope and determination. In2021, during an ANC follow-up for her first child, Bethlehem discovered that she was HIV-positive. Determined to protect her unborn baby, she started ARV treatment after counseling from dedicated healthcare providers. However, life took an unexpected turn when she stopped taking her medication, lost touch with the healthcare system, and sadly transmitted the virus to her firstborn. Overwhelmed with fear, she even changed her address to keep her secret hidden for three long years. But in February 2023, a ray of hope entered Bethlehem’s life through the Family Focused HIV Prevention, Care, and Treatment (FFHPCT) program. They received a list of individuals with high viral loads, and attention. With Community Response Persons (CRPs), they finally found her when she was five months pregnant and in poor health, start ANC follow-up. After more than three attempts, she bravely decided to reengage in treatment.
Thanks to the support of FFHPCT’s Community Engagement.
Facilitators (CEFs), Bethlehem resumed her ANC follow-up, and they guided her through disclosure counseling. In a remarkable act of courage, she even shared her status with her husband, who was subsequently tested and discovered he was HIV-positive too. Together, they embarked on a treatment journey, with her husband starting ARV therapy at Butajira Hospital. Bethlehem successfully delivered her second baby, and her husband has been her pillar of strength, providing unwavering physical and psychological support.
Having provided her consent, Bethlehem joined the community care and treatment services offered by the FFHPCT program. A dedicated Community Response Person was assigned to her, providing ongoing support, and health education, and emphasizing the importance of adherence to interventions. Through her determination and commitment, Bethlehem has seen a dramatic improvement in her health. Grateful for her second chance, she shares, “I wish I had the knowledge I have now, but today is not a time for regret. I am happy that I was able to save my second child.”
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers and staff of the FFHPCT program for their invaluable support. Their dedication and compassion have helped transform lives and bring hope to families like Bethlehem’s.
2. EDUCATION PROGRAM
Increased Access to Education for 235,668 School-Aged Children
- Higher enrollment and retention, especially among marginalized groups (girls, children with disabilities, rural populations).
- Reduced dropout rates and greater transition between education levels
- Improved infrastructure, such as more classrooms, safe sanitation, and transport, enabling more children to attend school.
- Greater community awareness and engagement in supporting children’s right to education.
Improved Quality of Education
- Improved accessibility of learning materials, including updated textbooks and digital tools.
- Stronger school leadership and accountability systems.
- Student-centered learning environments that foster participation, creativity, and critical thinking.
Enhanced Learning Outcomes
- Improved literacy, numeracy, and life skills, especially among early grade learners.
- Reduced learning gaps among disadvantaged groups.
- Higher performance in assessments at national and international levels.
MJE Education Program Impacts
The increased access to educational resources and support has empowered many children who have previously faced the challenges of street life and begging. These children are now able to reconnect with their families and actively pursue their education. Additionally, the growing use of the e-book service at the Hawassa Youth Center Library indicates positive progress.
This trend not only highlights the potential for further improvements to the service but also lays a strong foundation for advancing community development initiatives. Collectively, these efforts significantly contributed to the improved literacy, numeracy, and life skills and the future prospects of youths and school-aged children.
3. LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT AND ECONOMIC STRENGTHENING (41,887 Beneficiaries)
Increased Income and Employment
- Improved household income levels through job creation, entrepreneurship, or improved productivity.
- Increased employment opportunities, especially for youth, women, and vulnerable populations.
- Enhanced access to markets, tools, and resources, enabling more sustainable income sources.
Skills Development and Economic Empowerment
- Beneficiaries gain vocational and business skills aligned with market demands.
- Strengthened financial literacy and inclusion, including savings groups and access to microfinance.
- Growth of VSLA & SHG through enhanced market system
Improved Resilience and Self-Reliance
- Households better able to cope with economic shocks, such as inflation, droughts, or job loss.
- Increased diversification of livelihoods, reducing dependency on a single income source.
- Improved food security and asset ownership, especially in rural or climate-vulnerable areas.
- Empowered local communities through cooperative models, producer groups, or self-help groups.
- Reduced poverty and migration due to improved local opportunities.
The Lives of MJE Beneficiaries Have Changed!
The business skills of members in the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) and Self-Help Group (SHG) have improved significantly. As a result, their incomes have increased, and their saving habits have strengthened. Members have become self-reliant and are now able to cover their families’ basic needs, educational expenses, health costs, and more. They are also engaged in sustainable income-generating activities.
Livelihood Enhancement, the central and most crucial initiative within MJE’s program framework, strives to create enduring positive changes in the well-being of the designaf initial capital in cash and kind to support start-ups. In line with this, the following activities have been carried out.
4. SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM (8,202 OVCs and 1,010 Elders)
Improved Access to Education
- Increased school enrollment and attendance among OVC through provision of school fees, uniforms, and materials.
- Reduced school dropout rates by addressing financial and social barriers.
- Improved academic performance through tutoring, mentoring, and psychosocial support.
Enhanced Child Health and Nutrition
- Better health outcomes through access to medical care, immunizations, and health education.
- Improved nutrition via food support or school feeding programs.
- Early identification and referral for HIV/AIDS services, where applicable.
Strengthened Protection and Psychosocial Well-being
- Improved emotional and psychological resilience through counseling, peer support, and life skills training.
- Reduced risk of abuse, exploitation, and neglect, with support from trained caseworkers and child protection systems.
- Stable care giving environments supported through home visits and parenting programs.
Economic Strengthening of Households
- Increased caregiver capacity to support children through income-generating activities or vocational training.
- Improved household resilience through savings groups, financial literacy, and access to social protection services.
- Reduced dependency on external aid by building self-reliant families.
- Better life prospects for children as they transition into adulthood with education, health, and life skills.
- Stronger family and community systems to sustainably care for vulnerable children.
The lives of MJE beneficiaries have changed thanks to the support of our sponsors!
The sponsorship program has had a profound impact on the lives of countless elderly families and children, bringing about a remarkable transformation filled with renewed hope and optimism. Through this vital support, many deserving children have been granted the chance to pursue higher education. This opportunity enables them to enroll in various colleges, universities, and specialized technical and vocational schools, which are critical for gaining practical skills and knowledge in today’s job market.
With this newfound chance, these young individuals are empowered to take control of their futures, shifting the trajectory of their lives in a positive direction. They are not only acquiring education but also developing the confidence and skills necessary to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. As they embark on these educational journeys, they are paving the way for brighter prospects—not just for themselves, but also for their families and communities. The ripple effect of their success is likely to inspire others, fostering a culture of aspiration and achievement in areas that have long faced challenges.
Sponsoring organizations and philanthropic individuals are playing an increasingly vital role in community support efforts. Over the years, the Diaspora community has stepped up significantly, channeling more resources and assistance towards mothers in need, empowering youth, and offering vital aid to vulnerable street children. This growing involvement reflects a deepening commitment to uplifting those who are marginalized and ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
Success Story: A Life Transformed by the MJE Sponsorship Program
Meskerem lost her father when she was just 5 years old. Raised by her mother in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the family struggled to meet even their basic needs. Tuition fees were beyond their reach, putting Meskerem at risk of dropping out of school permanently.
At the age of 9, she was identified by Mary Joy Ethiopia as an orphaned and vulnerable child (OVC). Her journey toward success began when she was enrolled in a monthly sponsorship program by Ahed Engineering, allowing her to start elementary school. Through this sponsorship, she received uniforms, school supplies, and psychosocial support. The program provided her with consistent assistance, including a monthly allowance of 750 birr, holiday donations, clothing, transportation coverage, laptop support, graduation attire, and emotional and psychological support.
Meskerem excelled in school and later attended Debre Tabor University in Ethiopia, where she pursued a degree in health sciences. She graduated at the top of her class with distinction, achieving a GPA of 3.58. Today, she works in her profession, serving communities like the one she came from.
Quote from Meskerem:
“Without the sponsorship, I would have never gone back to school. Now, I am a health professional, and I can give back to my community the way others gave to me.”
5. FEEDING PROGRAM (CENTER-BASED & HOME TO HOME) for 1,200 Elders & OVCs
Improved Nutritional Status
- Reduction in malnutrition, stunting, and underweight rates among children.
- Improved dietary diversity and nutrient intake, especially in low-income or food-insecure populations.
- Better physical health and growth, supporting overall development.
Strengthened Safety Nets and Social Support
- Feeding programs often act as a gateway to broader social protection and health services.
- Linkages to other services (health screenings, and hygiene promotion) increase overall impact.
- Programs often support crisis recovery and resilience in food-insecure or disaster-affected communities
Success Story: Living Condition of the Beneficiaries Improved by MJE Feeding Program
Getachew Boche is a 64-year-old man who has endured the painful loss of his family over the past 36 years. He previously begged on the streets of Hawassa City until he had the opportunity to join the Mary Joy Ethiopia Hawassa Elders Center. At the center, Getachew received six months of intensive rehabilitation services.
Through the Elders Feeding Program, he began receiving tailored meals three times a day to meet his dietary needs. This program also connected him with essential health services. As a result of these services, Getachew fully recovered from his trauma, which led to improved overall health. He gained weight, stabilized his blood pressure, and now enjoys a better quality of life.
Additionally, the program facilitated his reintegration with family, provided opportunities for income-generating activities, and improved his living environment and facilities. His self-esteem and dignity have been restored, and he is currently living with his brother and extended family.
As Getachew expressed, “I no longer feel forgotten. This program gave me back my independence. Toso Neerasa (The Creator of the supreme; you are a Miracle, You know)” a heartfelt expression of gratitude in the Woliata language. 6. CHILD-TO-CHILD PROGRAM
Empowered Children as Change Agents
- Children gain knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to take initiative in their schools and communities.
- Increased peer-to-peer support and learning, especially on health, hygiene, safety, and rights.
- Enhanced self-esteem and agency among children, especially girls and marginalized groups.
- Children adopt and promote positive health behaviors, such as hand washing, clean water use, and sanitation.
- Reduced incidence of preventable diseases through child-led health education and awareness campaigns.
- Children become early responders and advocates for healthier habits in homes and schools.
Strengthened Peer Learning and Education Outcomes
- Increased peer support for academic learning, homework help, and school readiness.
- Improved school participation and retention, especially for younger or at-risk children.
- Enhanced inclusive education by promoting solidarity with children with disabilities or those facing barriers.
Enhanced Community and Family Engagement
- Children influence attitudes and behaviors within families and communities, fostering collective responsibility.
- Increased intergenerational dialogue and respect for children’s voices.
- Communities become more child-friendly and responsive to children’s needs.
Improved Civic and Social Development
- Children develop a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement early in life.
- Programs foster lifelong skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and empathy.
- Contribution to child rights promotion and stronger community-based protection systems.
Success Story: Amanuel: From Struggling Learner to Confident Reader
Amanuel, an 11-year-old boy with a quiet demeanor, often sat at the back of the classroom, struggling to make sense of the words on the page. In a home where educational support was scarce, he found himself falling further behind his peers, teetering on the edge of giving up on his schooling altogether.
However, everything changed when he joined the Child-to-Child reading support initiative in Hawassa Youth and Children Center. There, he was paired with Daniel, a self-assured and enthusiastic classmate who had been trained in effective reading strategies. With the aid of engaging phonics games, simple reading tools, and consistent positive reinforcement, Daniel became a guiding light for Amanuel.
As weeks turned into months, a remarkable transformation began to unfold. In just four short months, Amanuel’s reading fluency soared. The shy boy who once hesitated to speak up became increasingly vocal and confident, eagerly participating in class discussions. It wasn’t long before he found the courage to volunteer to read aloud during morning assemblies, much to the delight of his classmates.
Reflecting on his journey, Amanuel said with a bright smile, “Daniel helped me see that I can learn, too. Now, I love reading stories!” His newfound love for reading not only enhanced his academic performance but also reignited his passion for learning, setting him on a path to brighter horizons.
7. SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAM (64,685 Beneficiaries Served)
Reduced Poverty and Vulnerability
Improved Health and Education Outcomes
Enhanced Economic Resilience and Productivity
Success Stories: Kiyan Feyissa – Escaping the Trap of Forced Motherhood
Fortunately, Kiyan’s life took a positive turn when she found support through the Women Affairs Office in the Addis Ketema Sub-city. This lifeline allowed her to enroll in Mary Joy Ethiopia, an organization dedicated to social protection and empowerment for women in distress. At Mary Joy, Kiyan received critical emergency psychosocial support, along with legal assistance that helped her reclaim her dignity and assert her rights.
In a remarkable shift of fortune, Kiyan was offered a job at Mary Joy Ethiopia, giving her the means to provide for her daughter while embarking on her own healing journey. The organization also granted her access to free daycare, ensuring her little one was nurtured and cared for. As a nanny at Mary Joy Ethiopia, Kiyan thrives in her role, surrounded by laughter and joy. She now tends to her daughter and other children, creating a warm environment filled with nutritious meals, engaging learning activities, playful interactions, and scheduled nap times that promote healthy development. Kiyan’s daughter has flourished in this supportive atmosphere, gaining weight and growing healthier every day. Kiyan reflects with gratitude on the transformation in her life, stating:
Quote from Kiyan:
“I was trapped in pain and silence. The support I received gave me a voice and a future.” “Through resilience and support, I have stepped into a new chapter of my life, filled with hope, purpose, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.”