Across Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa, millions of families are facing a crisis that rarely makes international headlines but continues to devastate lives. Drought, conflict, displacement, and rising living costs have combined to create one of the region’s most pressing humanitarian emergencies. While communities have shown remarkable resilience, many families have exhausted their resources and are struggling simply to put food on the table.
The scale of the crisis
According to United Nations agencies, Ethiopia remains one of the world’s most complex humanitarian situations.
- More than 15.8 million people are currently facing acute hunger
- 4.6 million children and women are suffering from acute malnutrition
- Over 4.4 million people remain internally displaced due to conflict and climate-related shocks
The crisis is not confined to Ethiopia alone.
Across the Greater Horn of Africa, more than 37 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity, driven by the combined effects of climate shocks, conflict, disease outbreaks, and economic pressures. Children are among the hardest hit, with nearly five million expected to suffer acute malnutrition across the region.
Bringing Hope Through Action
For decades, the Salesians of Don Bosco have responded wherever young people and families face hardship. Across Ethiopia, Salesian communities provide education, technical and vocational training, parish ministry, psychosocial support, and emergency humanitarian assistance. Their mission is simple: to ensure that poverty, conflict, or displacement do not rob children and young people of their dignity and future.
Funds received by Salesian Missions Australia help provide school fees, educational materials, feeding programs, emergency food and clean water distribution, and vocational training opportunities for vulnerable children, young people and families.
Particularly concerning is the situation in northern Ethiopia, where parts of Tigray continue to experience severe drought while insecurity and economic hardship have left many families unable to recover. In some communities, access to food and clean water remains limited, while the psychological impact of conflict continues to affect children and families alike.
Br Bullo, who works directly with vulnerable communities, offers a heartfelt appeal:
“We really need some help. Many families have exhausted what little resources they had. Children are going hungry, and parents are struggling to provide even the basics. Any support we receive can be turned directly into food assistance and emergency relief for those who are suffering most. We would be deeply grateful for your help.”
Across Ethiopia, children are at risk of going hungry, missing school, and losing hope for the future. With support, the Salesians can continue providing emergency relief and education to families and young people facing the impacts of drought, conflict and displacement.
