Serving in the Historic Birthplace of Coffee
A Land of Ancient History and Enduring Faith
Ethiopia, a country rich in history and culture, is home to one of the world’s oldest human settlements and over 90 spoken languages. As the birthplace of coffee, its cultural tapestry is as rich as its landscape. Sixty percent of Ethiopians practice Christianity, primarily as Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christians, sharing a long and peaceful history with the Coptic Orthodox Church.
From the historic sites of Aksum and Lalibela to its bustling cities, Ethiopia offers a unique environment for service. It is here that CMANA volunteers can make a profound impact, addressing health needs while immersed in a deeply spiritual and historic setting.
A Pioneering Mission of Service and Faith.
In November 2011, CMANA embarked on its first mission outside of Egypt, marking a new milestone in our service to Ethiopia. This was made possible by the historic relationship between the Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches. Our first trip allowed us to serve in top university hospitals, conduct spiritual conferences, and visit orphanages and shelters.
By March 2016, on our 5th-anniversary mission, a team of 18 healthcare professionals and 3 students served 3,620 patients and 820 children in schools and orphanages. This legacy of care continues with every mission.
Use Your Gifts to Serve God in Ethiopia.
Our missions are divided into two vital parts. The **medical group**, composed of healthcare professionals, treats patients daily and provides educational presentations to local medical students. The **spiritual group** serves children and youth in schools, orphanages, and Sunday school programs.
Come and serve God with the talents He gave you, whether in the medical or spiritual field, and don’t miss out on the blessings God has in store for you.
Preparing for Your Mission to Ethiopia
Visa Requirements
All visitors (except nationals of Kenya and Djibouti) must obtain a visa. Visas can be acquired from Ethiopian embassies or consulates, or upon arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. Please note that airport visas are only available for citizens of specific countries and may be more expensive. Check with your local [Ethiopian embassy](https://ethiopianembassy.org/) for details.
Health & Safety
The CDC advises that travelers to Ethiopia are up-to-date on routine vaccinations, as well as Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Tap water in Ethiopia is not suitable for consumption.
Culture & Customs
Ethiopian society is largely hierarchical, and personal relationships are highly valued. The culture is generally more conservative than in the West. A unique custom is eating without utensils, using the staple sourdough bread, Injera, to scoop up spicy meat and vegetable dishes. Due to the Orthodox fasting calendar, a wide variety of delicious vegan and vegetarian food is always available.
Currency & Costs
The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Roughly 20 Birr is equal to one U.S. dollar. A typical meal in a restaurant costs about five U.S. dollars.
