Ethiopia Partnership

The YMCA of Kamloops, along with our partner YMCAs in BC, have partnered with the YMCAs in Ethiopia to support their programs and services. Ethiopia is a beautiful country full of resilient people who are working hard to build their country. As an agricultural country, natural disasters like drought and flash flooding put the entire economy of Ethiopia at risk for living in poverty. Sadly, the infant mortality rate is among the highest in the world. There are 1.5 million people infected with HIV/AIDS, and AIDS has orphaned approximately 1.2 million children under the age of 15.

With very little resources, the YMCA in Ethiopia is saving lives in many ways. Through the partnership with YMCAs in BC, the Ethiopian YMCA empowers youth to raise awareness and knowledge of HIV/AIDS and promote prevention through peer to peer education. Over 20,000 youth have been reached through innovative programming that involves theatre performance, dance and music.

In Ethiopia, most orphans are placed with extended or foster families. The YMCA helps to support these families by providing child care services, schools and vocational training. Without education or practical marketable skills, these orphans would be destined to a life of abject poverty and a reduced life expectancy.

The YMCA is helping to change their lives.