Abebech Gobena, widely known as “Ethiopia’s Mother Teresa,” was a remarkable humanitarian whose life was dedicated to caring for the most vulnerable. Born in 1938 in the small village of Shebel, Ethiopia, her journey was filled with challenges, but she transformed her hardships into a profound purpose: helping children in need. Through her orphanage, AGOHELMA (Abebech Gobena Children and Family Development Association), she would go on to save thousands of lives and inspire a nation with her unwavering compassion.

Early Life of Abebech Gobena: Resilience from the Start

Abebech’s life began during a period of great turmoil. As a child, she lost her father during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, leaving her family in poverty. At nine years old, Abebech was married off—a fate that many girls in rural Ethiopia faced. But Abebech had a fierce determination. She escaped her marriage and eventually made her way to Addis Ababa, where she pursued an education and a new life.

Her remarkable story took a pivotal turn in 1973 when she embarked on a pilgrimage to Gishen Mariam, a holy site in Ethiopia. This journey occurred during a devastating famine, and Abebech witnessed the immense suffering of children and families firsthand. At that moment, she decided she couldn’t turn away. Abebech returned home to Addis Ababa with two orphaned children, sparking the beginning of what would become her life’s work.

Image: Abebech Gobena

Founding AGOHELMA: A Life of Service and Compassion

In 1980, Abebech established AGOHELMA, her orphanage in Addis Ababa, starting with little more than her own resources. The organization, originally created to care for orphans, quickly grew. Abebech sold her possessions, left her job, and poured her heart into providing food, shelter, and education for her growing family of children. Over the years, AGOHELMA evolved into one of Ethiopia’s largest humanitarian organizations, supporting over 12,000 children and providing aid to countless others.

At AGOHELMA, Abebech ensured the children received not only a safe home but also an education. Many of the orphans who grew up under her care went on to become doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders in Ethiopian society. Her vision was simple yet profound: every child deserved a future, and with the right support, they could contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Abebech Gobena’s Impact Beyond the Orphanage

Abebech Gobena’s work extended far beyond caring for orphans. Ethiopia has long faced challenges with poverty, food insecurity, and health crises, and Abebech responded to these issues with programs that tackled them head-on. She led initiatives for women’s empowerment, elderly care, and health awareness, particularly around HIV/AIDS. During droughts and famines, she coordinated relief efforts to bring food, clean water, and essential resources to affected communities.

Her approach to humanitarian work emphasized self-sufficiency and empowerment, with skills training and education forming the cornerstone of her programs. Abebech believed that by empowering individuals, she could uplift entire communities and help break cycles of poverty.

Abebech Gobena’s Legacy and Lasting Influence

Abebech continued her work into her later years, dedicating her life entirely to the people she served. In June 2021, Ethiopia mourned as she passed away from COVID-19 complications at the age of 83. Her death was a significant loss, but her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the programs she established. AGOHELMA continues to provide hope, shelter, and education to Ethiopia’s vulnerable populations.

Abebech Gobena is remembered as more than just a humanitarian. She is a national hero, a symbol of resilience, and a reminder that even one person can make an enormous difference. Her life stands as an inspiring example of what it means to live with compassion, integrity, and purpose.

Abebech Gobena’s journey from a single act of compassion to transforming countless lives across Ethiopia is nothing short of inspiring. Known as the ‘Mother Teresa of Africa,’ her dedication to children and women continues to ripple through communities today. What impact do you think one person can make? Share your thoughts, and let us know who else you’d like to see featured in our stories of remarkable women!

As always, you’ll find resources and references listed below.

Reference List:

1. Gobena, Abebech. Abebech Gobena: The Story of My Life. [No publisher listed, 2015].
2. Abebech Gobena and the Abebech Gobena Mother and Child Foundation. Impact Report. www.abebechgobena.org.
3. Mukherjee, Shubhra. The Ethiopian Visionary: Abebech Gobena's Philanthropy. 2018.
4. World Health Organization (WHO). Ethiopia: Addressing Child Health and Poverty. WHO, 2000.
5. UNICEF. The Role of Women in Africa's Development: Ethiopia Focus. UNICEF, 2005.

Resource List:

1. Abebech Gobena Mother and Child Foundation. www.abebechgobena.org
2. Ethiopia: A Nation in Transition – USAID. www.usaid.gov
3. "Abebech Gobena: A Legacy of Compassion and Change" – Ethiopian News Journal. www.ethiopiannews.com
4. "In Memory of Abebech Gobena: The Humanitarian Who Changed Ethiopia" – Voice of America (VOA). www.voa.com
5. The Global Fund for Women – Empowering Women and Girls in Ethiopia. www.globalfundforwomen.org
6. Ethiopian Red Cross Society – Child Health Initiatives. www.redcross.org.et
7. "The Impact of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Ethiopia" – UNDP Ethiopia. www.et.undp.org
8. Ethiopia's Ministry of Health – Maternal and Child Health Resources. www.moh.gov.et
9. "Giving Back to Ethiopia: The Story of Abebech Gobena" – Documentary.