EU INAUGURATES MARY HELP SHELTER IN ADDIS ABABA TO SUPPORT SINGLE MOTHERS AND CHILDREN
Addis Ababa, 20 April 2026. The European Union Delegation to Ethiopia, in collaboration with leading humanitarian organizations, inaugurated the Mary Help Shelter on Saturday in Addis Ababa. this shelter will provide a genuine home for all of them, together with the education which includes also vocational training, and the holistic support provided it will help 500 single mothers rebuild their lives and children reclaim their futures with dignity and hope.
The shelter is a cornerstone of the EU-funded project "Reintegration of Homeless Children and Vulnerable Girls into Family/Society", which aims to reintegrate 1 200 children and support 500 mothers in three years. The initiative focuses on education, livelihood training, family reunification, and sustainable social enterprises to ensure long-term impact.
The EU Deputy Ambassador’s, Agnieszka Karpinska, emphasised the significance of this initiative: "This shelter is more than a building, it is a promise of hope and opportunity. By empowering mothers and protecting children, we are investing in the foundation of Ethiopia’s future. The European Union is committed to standing with Ethiopia in this vital mission."
This project is made possible thanks to the collaboration of dedicated organisations, each bringing unique expertise to ensure its success. Jóvenes y Desarrollo (JyD) leads overall project management and monitoring, ensuring efficient implementation. Sisters of Mary Help manages the mothers’ shelter and provides education, including vocational training, helping mothers gain the skills they need to support their families. Don Bosco Children focuses on street outreach and formal as well as non-formal education, ensuring vulnerable children receive the care and opportunities they deserve. Nutrition for Development contributes critical nutritional support, addressing the health and well-being of mothers and children. Together with the Addis Ababa Bureau of Women, Children, and Social Affairs, these partners are working to align the project with national policies on child protection and social welfare, ensuring a holistic and sustainable approach.
Since 2024, the project is reducing street homelessness, empowering single mothers through livelihood training, and strengthen child protection systems in Addis Ababa. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions, it aims to create a scalable model for reintegration that can inspire similar initiatives across Ethiopia.