What was the most challenging part of working at the Orphanage in Melka Jebdu?
FH: What I found extremely challenging was seeing the state that the orphanage was in — their funding had been cut a few months before I arrived, and they were surviving on donations from a few individuals. It was barely enough to get by, and they were reduced to eating the cheapest food available – bedena with hoolbatta – every single day. I was able to help out once in a while, but it’s only temporary and never enough. They had no funds to renovate the crumbling buildings or get new textbooks to replace the ones that were falling apart – and even the staff members were getting paid such low wages that they were practically volunteering themselves. Gadaa.com: What type of mindsets are needed for volunteers? FH: Volunteers must be able to hold judgment and be open-minded. They need to understand that what is considered ‘rude’ or ‘not right’ in one culture can be totally acceptable in another culture. Also, do not expect a luxury treatment – because you will not get one! Gadaa.com: You
