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Expat Exchange - Volunteering in Addis Ababa 2025
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Volunteering in Addis Ababa

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with others in Addis Ababa. Here are several organizations you might consider supporting.

Moving to a new country can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Volunteering is a fantastic way to integrate into the local community, meet like-minded people, and make a positive impact. Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, offers a variety of volunteering opportunities for expats. These range from educational initiatives to environmental conservation projects. By volunteering, you not only contribute to the betterment of society but also gain unique insights into the local culture and form lasting friendships.

Ethiopia Reads

Ethiopia Reads is dedicated to improving the literacy skills of children and establishing libraries throughout Ethiopia. Volunteers can assist in various activities such as reading to children, organizing library materials, and even helping with administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities to volunteer a few hours per week.

Website: ethiopiareads.org
Location(s): Various schools and libraries in Addis Ababa
Time Commitment: Flexible, a few hours per week

Hope for Children Ethiopia

Hope for Children Ethiopia focuses on providing education, healthcare, and social support to vulnerable children and families. Volunteers can engage in teaching, mentoring, and assisting with community outreach programs. The organization welcomes both short-term and long-term volunteers.

Website: hopeforchildrenethiopia.org
Location(s): Various community centers in Addis Ababa
Time Commitment: Varies based on the project, from a few hours per week to full-time engagement

Project Mercy

Project Mercy is committed to empowering communities through education, healthcare, and sustainable development. Volunteers can participate in teaching, medical missions, and community development projects. The time commitment can range from short-term missions to longer-term commitments.

Website: projectmercy.org
Location(s): Various locations in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Varies based on the project, from short-term missions to longer-term commitments

The Fregenet Foundation

The Fregenet Foundation operates a school for underprivileged children in Addis Ababa. Volunteers can assist with teaching, administrative tasks, and fundraising efforts. The foundation welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments.

Website: fregenetfoundation.org
Location(s): Fregenet School in Addis Ababa
Time Commitment: Flexible, from a few hours per week to full-time engagement

Trees for the Future

Trees for the Future is an environmental organization focused on reforestation and sustainable agriculture. Volunteers can participate in planting trees, conducting environmental education programs, and assisting with community projects. The time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to the volunteer's availability.

Website: trees.org
Location(s): Various locations in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Flexible, a few hours per week

Save the Children Ethiopia

Save the Children Ethiopia works to improve the lives of children through education, healthcare, and child protection programs. Volunteers can assist with educational activities, community outreach, and administrative tasks. The organization welcomes both short-term and long-term volunteers.

Website: savethechildren.net/ethiopia
Location(s): Various locations in Addis Ababa
Time Commitment: Varies based on the project, from a few hours per week to full-time engagement

Mary Joy Development Association

Mary Joy Development Association focuses on empowering women and children through education, healthcare, and vocational training. Volunteers can assist with teaching, mentoring, and community outreach programs. The time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to the volunteer's availability.

Website: maryjoy.org
Location(s): Various community centers in Addis Ababa
Time Commitment: Flexible, a few hours per week

Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority

The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority is dedicated to the preservation of Ethiopia's unique wildlife and habitats. Volunteers can participate in conservation projects, environmental education programs, and research activities. The time commitment can range from short-term projects to longer-term commitments.

Website: ewca.gov.et
Location(s): Various locations in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Varies based on the project, from short-term to longer-term commitments

Addis Ababa University

Addis Ababa University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Africa, offers various volunteering opportunities in education and research. Volunteers can assist with teaching, research projects, and administrative tasks. The time commitment can range from short-term projects to longer-term commitments.

Website: aau.edu.et
Location(s): Addis Ababa University campus
Time Commitment: Varies based on the project, from short-term to longer-term commitments

Yenege Tesfa

Yenege Tesfa is an organization dedicated to providing support and education to vulnerable children and youth. Volunteers can assist with teaching, mentoring, and community outreach programs. The time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to the volunteer's availability.

Website: yenegetesfa.org
Location(s): Various community centers in Addis Ababa
Time Commitment: Flexible, a few hours per week

Ethiopian Red Cross Society

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society is involved in various humanitarian activities, including disaster relief, healthcare, and community development. Volunteers can assist with emergency response, healthcare services, and community outreach programs. The time commitment can range from short-term projects to longer-term commitments.

Website: redcrosseth.org
Location(s): Various locations in Addis Ababa
Time Commitment: Varies based on the project, from short-term to longer-term commitments

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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