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The lives of the BTO children are improved dramatically by the creation of projects that improve their health, education and ability to find future employment.
Support a Beyond the orphanage project to sponsor and ethiopian child

Current projects include:

Tadele School Project

In January 2011, thousands of people from the Southern Nation and Nationalities Region of South West Ethiopia gathered, with much enthusiasm, to celebrate the completion of the Taddele School Project and the official opening of the school, drop-in centre and safe house.

The Taddele School Project is a joint venture between Beyond the Orphange Australia (BTO), Australian African Business Council (AABC) and country partner Samaritan Foundation for the Destitute and Dying Ethiopia (SFDD Ethiopia). The aim of the project to provide a sustainable future for the region, decimated by poverty and malaria, through education. 

When BTO first visited the region two years ago. It found over two thousand children with limited access to education, plagued by snakes and mice and desperate to improve their situation.

With raw materials provided by BTO, the community has come together and worked tirelessly for free to build 12 classrooms and 1 administrative office.  It is estimated that the facilities will provide education for 2,255 students. 

The community is extremely proud of what they have achieved. Watch the ceremony videos (commentary provided by Geoff Hucker, Founder of BTO, at 2:20 and 6:40 minutes) or view the photos and share in their celebrations.

Computer Lab

The computer lab opened in August 2011 and provides three lessons per week to the children with a professional tutor.

In order to help the children secure work in the future it is vital that they learn computer skills.

Library

The library opened in August 2011 and is stocked with over 2000 books.  The children painted the library and stocked all of the shelves themselves. 

Counselling

The children attend life classes every Saturday to help them improve their sense of self.

  Frequently Asked Questions

Where does my money go?

The money you donate is used to (fund BTO programs in Ethiopia) the programs enables these young people to become successful, independent adults within their local Ethiopian communities by establishing a safe, stable home preferably with a member of their extended family in-keeping with traditional Ethiopian values. Once this is achieved, we work with each child and his/her guardians to create an individualized success plan within a traditional case management framework. Our work is client-centred and evidence-based.

By working towards mutually agreed upon goals, we help the children develop their strengths and attain self-sufficiency.

Specific case planning involves four outcome areas:

  • education
  • health
  • well-being
  • self-sufficiency

Specific action steps include:

  • provide the material, psychosocial and medical supports required to stabilise living situations;
  • placement in local schools;
  • academic enrichment, including tutoring, to close the achievement gap;
  • community-based development sessions;
  • psychosocial counselling.

After the completion of their education they enrol in a transition phase where they are supported to pursue vocational training, University, or set up a small business. 

As BTO children live in their community, that community will also benefit from the child’s sponsorship

Which communities will sponsorship benefit?

The communities in which the children live benefit from sponsorship as it brings in much needed resources to the family and as a result impacts the community around them.

How are children selected for sponsorship?

In order to find the children to be included in the sponsorship program, we work with the local government who provide a list of eligible children based on the following criteria that are in the BTO program:

  • All children must be between 10 years and 18 years and within primary education;
  • The child must be a double orphan;
  • And the child must not be receiving any other support from other service
  • BTO has no bias to physical, mental health, race or religion in selection of children

How long will my sponsorship last?

Your sponsorship is only limited by the time you chose to provide funding and that child is in the BTO program. Our hope would be that you continue to be part of the BTO community for some time.  We have a long term commitment to the orphans of Ethiopia and we rely on generous donors to sustain our goals.

How is BTO different from other organisations?

BTO is very different from other sponsorship organisations in that we focus on providing children with a secure, family home environment. We aim to place the child within the home of a caring extended family or local community member.

This objective makes a huge difference to a child's life. Research has shown that children living as part of a family unit have significantly higher psychological and social wellbeing than forms of child care.

In addition, BTO is non-religious and non-political. We have no agenda other than helping children to realise their potential.

What do sponsors receive?

To establish and maintain a connection as a sponsor, we like to keep our sponsors as involved as they would like to be.

We like to keep sponsors engaged with our work and their sponsored child’s wellbeing.

As a sponsor you receive:

  • a welcome kit with a sponsored child introduction containing photos and an overview of where your sponsored child lives
  • a six monthly update on your sponsored child, their family and community

Can I visit my sponsored child?

We think visiting a sponsored child is a wonderful experience and we will help you arrange this.  Given logistical issues, any planned trips should be notified to us as early as possible so that we can ensure you get the most out of your trip.

At BTO we take child protection very seriously there is a process to go through before we can confirm a visit is allowed which includes police checks. All visits are supervised by BTO staff in Ethiopia.

Can I choose the child that I want to sponsor?

When you decide to sponsor you will be asked for your preference reference to age and gender. If you are happy for us to select a child on your behalf we can locate a child with the greatest need.

What are my payment options?

If you are an Australian resident (or have an Australian bank account), you are able to pay by direct debit or by credit card. If you are not resident in Australia, your payment is processed through your credit card.

BTO’S commitment to child protection

BTO recognises that by the nature of our work, we are at risk of being targeted by those wanting to exploit or harm children.

BTO considers child abuse unacceptable in all circumstances and is committed to ensuring that all possible and necessary steps are taken to acknowledge the rights and protection of all children (a person under the age of 18 years) that we work with.

Therefore we have put in place clear policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure children are respected, protected, empowered and active in their own protection; and staff are confident, competent and well supported in meeting their protection responsibilities.

Questions?

If you have any questions please contact us

Contact Beyond the orphanage to sponsor and ethiopian child