Volunteer Programs in Ethiopia

Lying in the Northeastern region of Africa, Ethiopia borders five countries, including the controversial countries of Sudan and Somalia. Ethiopia has a highly diverse population of over 90 million people, with over 80 different ethnic groups. It’s also ecologically diverse, with deserts in the east, tropical forests in the south, and extensive mountain ranges in the north and south west.

Often referred to as the political capital of Africa, Addis Ababa, which translated means “new flower,” hosts the headquarters of the African Union as well as the United Nations Economic Commision for Africa. This capital city’s light rail system is the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, and it even connects Addis Ababa to neighboring Djibouti. Newly built high-rises signify the economic growth throughout the city, but cultural opportunities remain endless; volunteers can get lost in the largest outdoor market on the continent in the Merkato district, explore Addis Ababa University, and visit the numerous mosques, cathedrals, and museums during their volunteer program. 

If visions of volunteering in Ethiopia’s countryside are more what you had in mind, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in rural areas, such as Bahir Dar. Almost 90 percent of the population lives in a rural environment, where much of the need for volunteers lies. In rural villages, locals primarily work as farmers. Rural life is still very much the foundation of Ethiopian life, giving volunteers the unique opportunity to learn about the local way of life.

If you are looking for that just-right in between setting for your volunteering in Ethiopia, you should consider one of the nation’s smaller cities. In the eastern part of the country lies the second-largest city, Dire Dawa; situated on the Dechatu River, Dire Dawa has a population of about 300,000 people, 40,000 cattle, and almost 120,000 goats. You could also look at volunteer programs in Awassa, located in southern Ethiopia, where you can enjoy the beauty of Lake Awassa and mountains overlooking the Great Rift Valley every single day.