Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – January 16, 2025 – In a groundbreaking initiative to improve the lives of children and their mothers incarcerated at Sheger Prison, the Living Parchment Ministry (LPM) has officially opened the Sheger Prison 7th Day Adventist Nursery/Preschool. Located on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, the facility aims to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children aged 1.3 to 6 years, offering them access to early childhood education and development opportunities that were previously unavailable.
Background: A Unique Challenge
Sheger Prison, which houses over 3,500 male and approximately 300 female prisoners, is also home to around 45 children who reside within the prison with their mothers. Many of these children were born in the prison, while others remain with their mothers due to strong emotional bonds and a lack of alternative care options. The prison environment poses significant challenges for these children, including limited access to education, insufficient nutrition, and restricted opportunities for physical and emotional growth.
Through LPM’s efforts, 59 prisoners have already been baptized, and the ministry has now expanded its focus to include the youngest and most vulnerable members of the prison community.
The Nursery/Preschool Initiative
The newly opened 7th Day Adventist Nursery/Preschool, which underwent major renovations funded by LPM, currently enrolls 13 children aged 1.3 to 6 years. The facility provides a safe space for learning and play, significantly improving the children’s physical and emotional well-being. It also supports the mental and emotional health of their mothers, who face the difficult reality of raising children in a prison environment.
The prison administration provides a small stipend of $9.60 per child per month for food, but this amount is insufficient to meet the children’s basic nutritional needs. The nursery/preschool aims to address this gap by providing at least one nutritious meal each day, ensuring that the children receive the sustenance necessary for healthy development.
Dual Role of the Full-Time Teacher
To further support the educational needs of children at Sheger Prison, LPM is in the process of hiring a full-time qualified teacher who will play a dual role. The teacher’s primary responsibility will be to educate the younger children enrolled in the nursery/preschool. However, when older children who attend school outside the prison return to visit their incarcerated mothers, the teacher will also assist them with their homework and provide tutorials. This dual role ensures that all children, regardless of their age or circumstances, receive the educational support they need to thrive.
A Beacon of Hope
The opening of the Sheger Prison 7th Day Adventist Nursery/Preschool marks a significant step forward in addressing the unique challenges faced by children growing up in prison. By investing in their education, health, and emotional well-being, the Living Parchment Ministry is not only transforming the lives of these children but also offering hope and support to their mothers.
Future Goals and Community Support
The Living Parchment Ministry has outlined ambitious goals for the future, including expanding services to reach more children within the prison, implementing a comprehensive early childhood education curriculum, and providing additional nutritional support. The ministry also plans to collaborate with community organizations to secure more resources and support for the program.
To achieve these goals, LPM is seeking support from the public through tax-deductible donations. Contributions will directly impact the lives of the children by supporting a safe and nurturing environment for learning, ensuring access to nutritious meals, and enabling the purchase of educational materials. Donations can be made through the following methods:
- Zelle: (972) 876-9135
- Cash App: $Tgm5543
- PayPal: here
- LPM Website: livingparchment.org
- Abyssinia Bank (Ethiopia): Account Number 148851174
For those who want to see amazing pictures of the children and the work being done, please refer to the PDF provided below, which showcases the transformative impact of this initiative.
LPM extends its heartfelt gratitude to all supporters for their generosity and commitment to this cause. Your contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of these children and their mothers. We also ask for your prayers as LPM continues its ministry, bringing hope and transformation to those in need.
