US Senator visits Ethiopia to discuss plight of children September 5th, 2010 in News, Society42 views APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) United States Senator Mary Landrieu is visiting Ethiopia to meet with Ethiopian officials and representatives of international and local organizations in order to discuss children’s issues, including the plight of orphans and other vulnerable children in the country, APA learns here on Saturday.
Senator Landrieu in her three day tour will be visiting orphanages, child care centres, and other facilities and interacting with over 500 Ethiopian children at these venues.
She will also have the opportunity to meet with the President of Ethiopia Girma Wolde Giorgis among others.
Senator Landrieu is joined by Ambassador Susan Jacobs, the US Department of State Senior Advisor for Children’s Issues ; Gary Newton, the US Agency for International Development’s Special Advisor for orphans and vulnerable children ; and a prominent group of American business leaders and representatives from Buckner International/Bright Hope, an NGO focused on children’s issues in Ethiopia and around the world.
During their visit to Ethiopia, Senator Landrieu and the other members of the delegation hope to share the US experience on children’s issues, including adoption and foster care, and learn from Ethiopian experts and child welfare specialists about the Ethiopian situation.
“In my first visit to Ethiopia, I have been struck by the dedication of all those committed to assisting children and families in need. Their efforts have had a profound effect on me,” said Senator Landrieu.