What we do

Beyond the Orphanage Foundation (BTOF)  was established in 2007 in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has one of the largest populations of orphans in the world 13% of children throughout the country are missing one or both parents. This represents an estimated 4.6 million children – 800,000 of whom were orphaned by HIV/AIDS. For children ages 10 to 18 there is very little support; studies show only 10% of orphans are receiving adequate care, this is the area BTOF focuses on.
Even where kinship care is a possibility, a dire lack of financial resources often prevents potential caregivers from helping. In fact, only 4% of these families receive external support compared to a global average of other developing nations which is 33.7%. As more parents die, the capacity of the extended family to take care of orphans becomes smaller and smaller. In all countries where there is a large HIV/AIDS epidemic, at first the orphans are not seen  as they are absorbed by the traditional systems. Eventually the system breaks down due to the sheer number of orphans and lack of support forcing the children  onto the streets.

BTOF was established to enable 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-centered 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, and self-sufficiency. Specific action steps include: (1) provide the material, psychosocial and medical supports required to stabilise living situations; (2) placement in local schools; (3) academic enrichment, including tutoring, to close the achievement gap; (4) community-based development sessions; (5) psychosocial counseling. After the completion of their education they enroll in a transition phase where they are supported to pursue vocational training, University, or set up a small business. The first cohort of children have made identifiable gains in areas such as health, education, housing stability, and psychosocial well-being.

The support BTOO gives for the development of the children in the program include

1) A safe house with an approved guardian

2) If required, BTOO supplies a house or pays part of the rent if child joins an existing household

3) The provision of three meals a day

4) Access to the BTO safe-house/drop-in centre 24/7     

5) All medical and dental costs regardless of the child's personal health challenges     

6) An amount is set aside for savings for each child each month it is deposited into an account for them but they do not have access to that account until          adulthood

7) All clothing including school uniforms

8)  All school fees, school books, school bags etc

9) When required, transport to and from school

10) After school tutoring every day

11) Summer school and holiday classes (mainly English and computers)

12) Access to BTO provided individual and group counselling,including child welfare specialists from overseas

13) BTO events and trips so the children can enjoy the national holidays

14) Once a child graduates from high school, they are still supported through university or vocational training but to a  lesser degree