Addis Ababa

The Menagesha Home

The Menagesha Home is a rehabilitation centre based on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, dedicated to helping children and young people to walk again. Many of the people that visit the home are victims of polio paralysis. Those who survive this disease may experience severe damage to their nervous system causing limbs to become wasted and useless.

Its aim is simple - every person will be able to walk home. This is achieved through corrective surgery, intensive courses of physiotherapy and the provision of custom made mobility aids. Each year hundreds of children undergo corrective surgery and physiotherapy and hundreds more are given walking aids - these are made in the home's workshop which also provides vocational training to the disabled.

The centre does not just aim to mend bodies; it also aims to repair the shattered confidence of every child. More than 60 children are resident in the home at any one time and each one receives tuition, skills development and sports training along side their treatment. Play and recreation are used to rebuild confidence and social skills - as part of this the centre runs a successful horse riding program and arts and crafts activity sessions.

How can you help?

Ethiopiaid is helping children to walk so that they can take the first steps towards a brighter future full of opportunity. Just £60 can buy a walking aid to help a child to walk again or maybe for the first time - please remember that this can only be done with your support.