Focus on Children

Children are at the centre of all we do.

We are a child-centred international development organization. We protect and improve the lives of children by helping them realize their basic human rights. Inspiring adults and children to work together is key to positive, lasting change.

We empower communities to create a safe place for children to grow, laugh, learn and play

Our Impact

In Ethiopia...

Where We Work

View Programs/Projects

We help families support the healthy growth and development of children from infancy through childhood to adolescence and young adulthood

Life Stages

Children experience poverty differently from adults. Their age, inexperience, lack of political and economic power, and dependence on others, make them particularly vulnerable to abuse.

We empower children to know their rights, be active participants in their community, and use their voice and talents for change.

Implementation Through Partners

We are proud of our work with local, Canadian and international partners to transform the lives of children. Partners help make our programs possible.

We partner with governments, NGOs, community-based organizations, academic institutions and child, youth and women's groups

Community Development Across Sectors

Our work helps communities be safer and healthier places for children to grow and develop using a holistic approach across multiple sectors and needs.

We partner with communities to improve access to medical care, nutritious food and clean water; eliminate barriers to education; create new sources of income; and empower local community groups to lead their own, positive change.

In Ethiopia (for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016):

34,644

people have been reached by health-awareness campaigns

662

children have been enrolled to receive nutritional/food rations

7,028 Children have received an annual health checkup

Health
and Nutrition

Investing in health and nutrition means better health for children, improved school attendance, greater life expectancy and fewer childhood deaths.

Many young people and community members participate annually in CCFC-supported health clubs. Through music, drama and dance, young people have the chance to learn about sexual and reproductive health in a culturally and age-appropriate way.

There is evidence unwanted pregnancy, sexual abuse, early marriage, high-risk sexual behaviour and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS is decreasing.

74

sanitation facilities, such as latrines or toilets, have been built or improved

471

community members have been trained in water, sanitation and hygiene management

107 volunteers or committee members have been trained in water, sanitaiton and hygiene management

Water
Sanitation and
Hygiene

Investing in safe drinking water and sanitation means CCFC can help reduce disease and sickness, and shorten the time it takes to get water for cooking and cleaning — time children can better spend in school.

Maternal and infant health in Ethiopia is a priority for CCFC, and contaminated water is especially threatening to mothers and babies. CCFC is committed to providing rainwater-harvesting tanks to health posts across Ethiopia. These tanks collect clean, bacteria-free water for mothers, babies and their families. As a result, they will face less risk of contaminated water.

15,114

children and youth have received educational supplies

230

youth have been trained in vocational/life skills

23,892 students, parents, teachers, community leaders and more have been reached by awareness-raising campaigns

Education

Investing in education means creating opportunities for the future. It also helps children grow confidently and know their rights — making them less vulnerable to violence and exploitation and better prepared to be leaders in their community.

In Godino, Ethiopia, donors are opening the door to education for children sponsored through Christian Children's Fund of Canada. There are 800 children in the sponsorship program, ranging from preschool to high-school age, and they have their school fees, supplies and uniforms covered by the program.

For the children who would have to walk several kilometres to school (or not attend because it’s too far), transportation is provided. With increased access to education, the children in Godino will have more opportunities to shape their future.

1,461

community members have been trained in collaboration and advocacy

2,258

individuals benefited from income-generating activities

Sustainable
Economic Growth

Self-help groups open doors for small businesses to succeed, household incomes to increase and for families to have a better life. Women can learn income-generating activities and receive help accessing credit, which wouldn’t otherwise be possible. These activities give women the opportunity to add to their family's income.

For example, Kuku made a difference for her family. She lives in the Wolaitta region in southern Ethiopia with her husband and two children. Her husband had been the sole breadwinner, but, working as a day labourer, he struggled to find work year-round and the family suffered.

Lately however, life has improved for Kuku's family. “By selling my homemade candles and soaps, I earn an income that's helping me buy food and clothes for my children," explains Kuku. Today, she's saving money to fulfill her dream of opening a shop in the local market.

407

children and youth have been trained in children's rights and responsibilities, leadership skills, group management and more

215

community members now belong to new child/youth groups

366 parents, guardians and community members have been trained in child rights and protection

Strengthening
Community
Organizations

Community members and organizations that work together can achieve positive and lasting change. Empowered communities are safer places for children to grow, laugh, learn and play.

Resources

Our policy papers and other media show how CCFC is making a difference

See how we're enhancing early childhood education in Ethiopia

How We Work