We are so grateful that you have partnered with Compassion and the church in Ethiopia to provide playground equipment for their community, and we are excited to share about the impact the playground has had on the community.
Play is important for the physical wellbeing and the development of a healthy brain in a child. It is largely through play that young children interact and practice physical exercises. Before your contribution, there was no safe area for the children to play, even in the compound. According to the Project Director, the extreme dust in the dry season and the muddy land during the rainy season was a common feature of the project. Because of this, children were highly affected by air borne diseases like eye and respiratory infections, causing children to be unable to participate in project activities. They were missing out on vital care, education, and development.
Thanks to contributions like yours, and the faithful work of the project staff and volunteers, the playground construction is now complete. It is a beautiful space where the 238 registered children love to spend their free time, along with their friends and family. The playing field allows them to play soccer, volleyball, basketball and other games together. The participation rate at the center has also increased by 8% due to the health benefits of the playground space.
Most importantly, this space has allowed them to share the gospel more effectively. The pastor of the church, Befekadu, says, “this is a great opportunity for all of us to reach the lives of youth in the surrounding areas, and to introduce them to Jesus Christ.” Children invite their friends to spend time at the playground, where the church has the opportunity to tell them about the love of Jesus.
Investing in giving children a safe place to play means that you are investing in a child’s physical, social and cognitive development, their health, their participation in the Compassion project where they receive education and care, and their knowledge of how Jesus loves them and is their hope.
Thank you for partnering with Compassion and the church in Ethiopia.