Adama (AKA, Nazret), is located approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Addis Ababa and is a fast growing, semi-rural city of almost 500,000 residents. It is poised to be the 2nd largest city in Ethiopia.
WHY Adama, Ethiopia?
With its expanding urbanization and sprawling agricultural communities, the region resembles California's Santa Clara Valley in the early to mid-1900's. Even it's climate feels very much the same.
The recent completion of a new superhighway between Nazret and Addis Ababa will make way for more direct commerce, industry, tourism and more residents. With an ever-growing young population hungry for opportunity, Nazret is becoming one of the most influential cities in the country.
It is because of this explosive growth and growing influence that we have focused our efforts in Adama.
Adama has one of the highest rates of HIV in Ethiopia, and a staggering 10% of its women fall victim to prostitution. Being that the city is a major transportation and trucking hub with a growing tourism market, the opening of the new highway is sadly, expected to increase the demand for prostitutes in Adama. This not only has emotionally and physically devastating effects on the women, but on countless numbers of their children.
Though Adama has 4 colleges and one university, K-12 schools are relatively few and unaffordable to most of the poorest families. On par with the national statistics, an estimated 65 of its population is under 25 years of age.
With well planned, focused and sustained support and development, there is tremendous opportunity to positively impact thousands of children and future leaders.
The opportunities for the people of Adama are tremendous, yet as with any city experiencing rapid growth, challenges are great and many - especially for those people struggling with the effects of poverty. We love this diverse city and the people who call it home. We are wholeheartedly committed to building life-long relationships, friendships and working partnerships that contribute to holistic, sustainable improvements in the lives of our brothers and sisters who live with the effects of poverty.
Adama…we love you.
WHY Adama, Ethiopia?
With its expanding urbanization and sprawling agricultural communities, the region resembles California's Santa Clara Valley in the early to mid-1900's. Even it's climate feels very much the same.
The recent completion of a new superhighway between Nazret and Addis Ababa will make way for more direct commerce, industry, tourism and more residents. With an ever-growing young population hungry for opportunity, Nazret is becoming one of the most influential cities in the country.
It is because of this explosive growth and growing influence that we have focused our efforts in Adama.
Adama has one of the highest rates of HIV in Ethiopia, and a staggering 10% of its women fall victim to prostitution. Being that the city is a major transportation and trucking hub with a growing tourism market, the opening of the new highway is sadly, expected to increase the demand for prostitutes in Adama. This not only has emotionally and physically devastating effects on the women, but on countless numbers of their children.
Though Adama has 4 colleges and one university, K-12 schools are relatively few and unaffordable to most of the poorest families. On par with the national statistics, an estimated 65 of its population is under 25 years of age.
With well planned, focused and sustained support and development, there is tremendous opportunity to positively impact thousands of children and future leaders.
The opportunities for the people of Adama are tremendous, yet as with any city experiencing rapid growth, challenges are great and many - especially for those people struggling with the effects of poverty. We love this diverse city and the people who call it home. We are wholeheartedly committed to building life-long relationships, friendships and working partnerships that contribute to holistic, sustainable improvements in the lives of our brothers and sisters who live with the effects of poverty.
Adama…we love you.