Group photo taken during event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 31 March 2026.
Group photo taken during event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 31 March 2026.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.On March 31, 2026, a unique gathering took place at the Church chapel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together faith and service in a meaningful way. More than 14 representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) attended the event, each connected through past and ongoing support from the Church’s humanitarian efforts.
The meeting created space for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment. The organizations have worked alongside the Church for years, providing critical support in areas such as healthcare, education, and community development across Ethiopia.
President Oliva Cowley, who serves as the Ethiopia Addis Ababa Mission President, shared his appreciation during the event. “We were so happy to meet some of the NGOs and international organizations LDS Charities supports here in Ethiopia,” he said. “Together we give love and hope to so many people throughout the regions of Ethiopia during their time of need. We all are grateful to LDS Charities for their generosity and love for the people of Ethiopia.”
A representative from the Fred Hollows Foundation expressed sincere thanks, saying, “We sincerely thank The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the support and collaboration. Many lives have been positively impacted through your generosity.”
Throughout the gathering conversations highlighted the real impact of collaboration, focusing on improved access to clean water, and strengthened local services that continue to bless communities.
- Gebre-Belete,-a-representative-from-WaterAid-Ethiopia,-delivering-a-presentation-and-report-on-the-organizations-collaborative-work-with-the-church.-Addis-Ababa,-Ethiopia,-31-March-2026
- President-Oliva-Cowley,-Ethiopia-Addis-Ababa-Mission-President-(left),-Denis-Mukasa,-Africa-Central-Area-humanitarian-manager(center).-President-Kefani,-Ethiopia-Addis-Ababa-District-President.-Addis-Ababa,-Ethiopia,-31-March-2026.
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The Church’s humanitarian arm, often known as LDS Charities, continues to expand its reach worldwide. According to recent Church reports, humanitarian efforts in 2025 alone included more than 3,500 projects in 196 countries, supported by over $1.5 billion in expenditures and 7.4 million volunteer hours. These efforts focus on key areas such as emergency relief, maternal and child health, clean water, food security, and refugee assistance.
Since 1985, the Church has provided billions of dollars in aid and partnered with thousands of organizations to reach those in need, regardless of religion or background. Much of this work is carried out in collaboration with local and international NGOs like those present at the Addis Ababa event ensuring that help is both effective and sustainable.
