Disaster Relief

Stand with Ethiopia

Join us as we support Ethiopia during this time of crisis.

Prayerfully consider donating to our Disaster Relief Fund, as those funds can be used to provide aid to those in need during Ethiopia’s conflict.

Conflict in Ethiopia

As the conflict in Ethiopia has developed since November 2020, some areas of the country have become inaccessible to Compassion owing to the shutdown of communications, transport and banking. This has forced Compassion to suspend our partnerships with frontline church partners. We’ve communicated directly with sponsors whose sponsored children are affected by suspension. If the conflict continues to spread – disrupting communication with other areas – it may be necessary to suspend more church partnerships.

Crisis Preparedness

Before the suspensions, we were able to prepare our church partners for a time of crisis. We strategically worked with staff and volunteers to:

Medical Cross

Facilitate emergency support.

big hand and little hand

Organize trauma counseling for children, families and staff of partner churches.

Hand holding 2 children

Protect children and help families access relief during this crisis.

We trust that our partners will continue to provide support to children and families as they are able.

Support Ethiopia

Don’t sponsor a child in this country but still want to help? Donations to the Disaster Relief Fund supplies resources that can be used to directly provide humanitarian aid to those in need during times of conflict and disaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I continue to give my monthly donation or write letters to my child?

For children living in inaccessible conflict areas:
We’re so grateful for your faithfulness in continuing to send sponsorship donations. Although we’re not able to distribute funds in this area at this time, your donations will be safely held in a special account at Compassion’s global headquarters. Once the suspension is removed, the held funds will be distributed to your sponsored child’s development center. You can continue to send letters if you would like, but please be aware that letters will be held for delivery until we are able to reestablish communication with our frontline church partners in the affected areas. Sponsors with children affected by suspended operations have been notified.

For children living in areas of Ethiopia still accessible to Compassion:
We ask that you do not mention the conflict in your letters. The circumstances are extremely sensitive and discussing the nature of the political conflict may put children or families at risk.

However, if your sponsored child does speak about the conflict in their letters, here are some suggestions to help you respond:

  • While you may acknowledge the situation is challenging, please refrain from commenting on the nature and details of the conflict and be sure not to criticize any of the parties involved in the conflict.
  • Be sensitive and gentle as you write. Think carefully about all your words.
  • Encourage. Let them know that although you don't exactly know what they're going through, you're thinking of them. Encouraging words and Bible verses remind them that they’re not alone — and that you’re thinking of and praying for them often.
  • Pray. Let them know that you’re regularly praying for the situation they shared with you. Tell them that you're praying for their family members by name (if you know them).

We also ask for your patience as some letters may be delayed during this time. However, please do continue to write. Your letters are treasured, and your encouragement is hugely valuable.