VETERINARY DEVELOPMENT

Since FOP originated with Dr. Steve Zicker teaching at the Mekelle University Veterinary School in 2006, we have maintained a relationship with the veterinary school and its faculty.

A library was established in 2007 with donated books and journals and has been strengthened over the years as Steve’s efforts have continued to see the veterinary education programs thrive in northern Ethiopia, where livestock exports and health of animals have incredible impact on the livelihood of Ethiopians. Ethiopia has the highest population of livestock in all of  Africa, and healthy animals lead to healthy farms and better economic outcomes. 



Textbooks, journals, donated lab equipment and teaching tool donations are welcome and will be transported to our faculty partners to help them in educating the next generation of veterinarians in Ethiopia.

imago dei center

In 2023, FOP was introduced to a new counseling center established out of the Ethiopian Orthodox seminary to try to meet the tremendous needs coming out of the civil war. The center was founded by two professors who desired to see the priests and deacons and their network across Tigray meet the needs of families and women who had been victimized during the war and were too stigmatized or fearful to reach out to medical professionals. The Tigray region consists of mostly Ethiopian Orthodox followers, estimated to be more than 90% of the population.

The center’s vision for reaching families and vulnerable women who were victims of gender-based violence is being supported by FOP through training for the clergy in responding to victims of crime, trauma-informed healing, and provision of needed books, electronic equipment and resources.

Additional funds are being raised in 2024 to assist the center in providing training for women who serve as community representatives in Tigray locating and helping women survivors of sexual violence.

MOST PRESSING NEEDS

Every time we travel to Ethiopia, our volunteers carry items like clothing and shoes, books, and tablets in their suitcases, to give to the people we serve. We are currently in need of Amazon Fire tablets for our students.

We are also helping fund the construction of a new ORE compound to serve our Ethiopian friends. 

Needs change frequently. Your donation will fund whatever material need is most pressing. You can also provide these goods directly through our Amazon Wishlist.