During the July 9 CNEWA Canada webinar, National Director, Dr. Adriana Bara, spoke with CNEWA\u2019s Regional Director in Ethiopia, Argaw Fantu, about the realities confronting families across his country, and the enduring hope sustained through faith, community, and compassion. Argaw described a nation grappling with multiple overlapping emergencies. Conflict has displaced millions of people, while drought, inflation, food insecurity, and declining international aid continue to deepen hardship. Families are struggling to access nutritious food, children are suffering from severe malnutrition, and countless young people have been forced out of school. With limited employment opportunities, many fathers leave their homes in search of work, often leaving mothers and grandparents to care for children on their own. In some cases, desperation drives young people into dangerous migration routes, where many become victims of human trafficking or lose their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite these immense challenges, the local Church remains a constant source of hope. Priests, religious sisters and Catholic communities continue accompanying those in need, sharing their daily struggles as well as their resources. Many religious communities sacrifice their own meals to ensure vulnerable families receive food and care, embodying the Church’s mission to remain alongside people in both joy and suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks to the generosity of CNEWA supporters, this mission continues. Donor contributions provide emergency food assistance, nutrition programs for malnourished children, school feeding initiatives that serve more than 10,000 students each day, healthcare, education, and support for displaced families. These gifts restore dignity, provide material assistance and remind people they are loved and valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout the webinar, Argaw emphasized that hope remains one of Ethiopia’s greatest strengths. Even amid unimaginable hardship, people continue to rely on their faith, support one another, and look toward a better future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As CNEWA continues to celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, its mission remains unchanged: to stand with the local Church, accompany those living on the margins, and ensure no one is left behind. Together, through prayer, solidarity, and generous support, we can continue bringing hope to Ethiopia’s most vulnerable communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can’t thank you enough<\/strong> for standing by us and for your interest to learn more about the lives your kindness touches. In case you couldn’t join us live, please find the webinar recording down below<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n