Eparchy of Emdibir Launches Child Protection Initiative Amid Rising Vulnerability in Ethiopia

By Habtamu Abrdew Beture

EMDIBIR, Ethiopia — On January 17, 2026, the Ethiopian Catholic Eparchy of Emdibir organized a specialized training session focused on child protection. This initiative is particularly vital given that over one-third of children in the country currently face high vulnerability markers.

The program was designed for teachers of children’s associations across various parishes, opened by Rev. Abba Tesfa-Amlak Fikre, Coordinator of the Pastoral Department.

Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Mark (Mark 9:36-37), Abba Tesfa-Amlak emphasized that children hold a sacred place within the Church. He reminded educators that teaching should go beyond mere words:

"Children must be formed by the Church from a young age," he stated. "Beyond play, we must raise them through prayer to build a strong foundation for their future identities."

Mr. Assefa Teka, the Eparchy’s focal point for Child Protection and Care, led the core educational segment. His presentation bridged biblical teachings with modern protection standards, covering:

• Fundamental definitions of child care and protection.

• Essential benefits of creating a safe environment.

• The "Why" behind institutional protection policies.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A where participants discussed practical challenges in implementing these safeguards within their respective parishes.

As the training wrapped up, the Eparchy issued a call to action for January 18, which marks "Children's Day" at the Eparchy level. Parishes have been instructed to dedicate the Holy Mass to children and organize celebrations to honor the role of youth in the Catholic community.

This training comes at a critical time for the region. As of 2026, the child vulnerability rate in Ethiopia remains a significant concern, with approximately 34% of children considered highly vulnerable due to the combined impacts of economic instability, food insecurity, and displacement. By equipping educators with protection protocols, the Eparchy is directly addressing the need for localized safety nets for these at-risk youth.