Since Covid, Ethiopia's inflation rate remains consistently high reaching 33.5% in 2023. This is almost three times the Government of Ethopia's target of 11.9%.

Due to these rising costs, AHOPE faces the challenge of meeting some of the most basic needs of our children and families, including food, clothing, housing, education and so much more.

As the cost of living increases, the value of the Birr decreases. Over the past 12 months, the official exchange rate of the Birr has lost it's value by 6.5% against the US Dollar. In addition, the cost of diesel and benzene has had a 12% and 7% increase respectively. This increase in fuel prices has a direct correlation with the rise in inflation.

What does all of this mean for AHOPE?

With the increase in the cost of living, the cost of providing for our children and families increase. Food costs are inflated which makes grocery shopping a challenge. For example, the price of teff - a staple in our homes - has increased from 57 birr/kg in 2022 to 97 birr/kg in 2023. All purpose flour increased from 46 birr/kg in 2022 to 85 birr/kg in 2023. The cost of cooking oil, vegetables and fruit are also now high cost items, resulting in us reducing the purchase of these items.

In addition to food costs, inflation has had a direct effect on the cost of rent. In 2022, the average cost for rent of for houses like our four family group homes was 20,000 birr/month. In 2023, it is 45,000 birr/month.

Other areas affected by inflation are clothing, school fees, medical costs, psychosocial support, recreations costs, etc.

This cost of living increase also effects our staff whose salaries don't increase because the cost of living has.

To address these rising costs, AHOPE for Children is asking for your help.

**The price of an annual sponsorship has not increased in at least 12 years. Starting November 3rd, AHOPE for Children is raising the cost of sponsorship from $420/year ($35/month) to $600/year ($50/month). To all of our wonderful existing sponsors, you are grandfathered in and are able to maintain the $420/year. If, however, you would like to increase your sponsorship, that would be wonderful.

**If you're doing any traveling to Ethiopia, please consider carrying supplies for us and hosting a supply drive.

**Host your own fundraiser - in honor of your birthday, the holidays, etc.

**Give the gift of Sponsorship this holiday season

**Choose to be a sponsor yourself

**If you've sponsored in the past but your sponsorship has lapsed, please consider renewing your sponsorship and annual support of AHOPE

**Do you have ideas of your own but not sure how to implement them, contact us to brainstorm.

For more information, please contact Leslie at leslie@ahopeforchildren.org.

All of us at AHOPE for Children and AHOPE Ethiopia are both thankful and humbled by our supporters. Your belief in our mission, programs, children and families mean the world to us. Thank you!

Warmest Regards,

The AHOPE Team