Welcome to Hawassa Children’s Organization
Changing Lives, One Child at a Time
Since 2003, Hawassa Children’s Organization (HCO) has been committed to transforming the lives of Ethiopia’s most vulnerable populations—orphaned children, disadvantaged women, jobless youth, the elderly, and people with disabilities. As a registered Ethiopian resident charity, HCO provides comprehensive support to those who need it most—ensuring every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.
Who We Are
Founded in January 2003 by three dedicated humanitarians—Dr. Herman Hunzinger, Wro Aster Dables, and Mr. David Schine—HCO was born out of compassion and a deep commitment to service. Originally visiting Ethiopia on separate missions, these individuals chose to dedicate their lives to uplifting orphaned and vulnerable children. What began as a single project has now grown into a thriving organization with a wide network of supporters and donors.
Today, HCO supports:
- 176 orphaned children with full care and education
- 584 impoverished families with no reliable source of income
Our beneficiaries receive shelter, food, clothing, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support until they graduate from university or complete vocational training to become self-reliant members of society.
Our Mission
To provide love, stability, and opportunity for vulnerable children and marginalized families—empowering them to build a better future.
Our Vision
A future where every orphaned and vulnerable child in Ethiopia grows up to become a self-sufficient, empowered, and contributing member of society—and where disadvantaged groups are uplifted through education, training, and support.
Our Core Goals
- Care for Orphans
Provide a safe and nurturing home for children from ages 3–5 until they reach 18. - Empower Women
Help disadvantaged women launch small businesses to support their families. - Train and Employ Youth
Offer vocational training and rehabilitation to unemployed youth and street children.
What We Do
🌟 Child Welfare Services
- Shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, and medical care
- Kindergarten through university/college education
- Psychosocial and emotional support
- Family reunification or foster care placement
👩👧 Women Empowerment
- Financial, technical, and material support for single mothers
- Microloans to start or grow small businesses
- Targeted support for young women starting over
👷 Youth & Skills Development
- Vocational and professional training for unemployed youth
- Life skills and employment readiness programs
- Training to meet demand in sectors like solar energy
🧓 Support for the Elderly & Disabled
- Financial and medical support for older adults and people with disabilities
- Home visits and community care programs
Get Involved
Whether you’re an individual, organization, or donor group—you can make a difference. Help us continue our mission of hope and transformation.
✅ Donate
✅ Volunteer
✅ Partner with Us