RENOVATION OF KECHENE YOUTH CARE AND REHABILITATION CENTRE

From November 2005 to July 2008, 121Ethiopia renovated the Kechene Youth Care and Rehabilitation Centre in Addis Ababa. The renovation included eight buildings, two playgrounds and the surrounding brick wall. Founded in 1955, the orphanage is run by the local sub-city government. Kechene is home to approximately 200 orphans. 121Ethiopia chose to concentrate its efforts and resources on Kechene due to the critical condition of the institution: the roofs and ceilings leaked, sanitary and kitchen facilities were insufficient, children were packed together in small rooms, and there was a shortage of trained staff.

In May 2006, the main building, which houses the administration personnel and 120 girls aged 14 to 22, was provided with running water, toilets and bathing facilities, new beds, personal closets and electricity. In September of the same year, the house accommodating the babies and children aged 0 to 10 was renovated and a cook employed to improve their daily nutritional intake. In May 2007, the fence around the institution that protects the children from intruders was renovated. Additionally, toilets and bathing facilities, new beds, personal closets and electricity were provided in the building that houses children aged 10 to 14. A small playground that had been left unused for years was renovated, and 121Ethiopia purchased toys for all ages; three computers for the classroom; and 31 schoolbags for the children aged 0 to 10. In 2008, in addition to completing the renovation of the school building and reading room, the guardhouse and kitchen were turned into pleasant work stations.

Finally, a recent project has been carried out in partnership with the Medahnialem Hitsanat Merja Mahiber (MHMM) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The objective of the project was to improve the life condition of children in a transit orphanage by providing full funding for essentials such as food, shelter, schooling, transportation, medication and additional funds to furnish the house for children and pay staff salary.