VOLUNTEER WITH OPERATION ETHIOPIA

TRIP SCHEDULE FOR 2024:

We run 4-5 medical missions a year. Two bring volunteer cohorts that include lay-volunteers (non-surgeons). 

* Due to uncertainty regarding the war in Israel, the schedule is subject to change.

2024 MEDICAL MISSION DATES:

April 14 -18:  Oculoplastic surgery campaign, Mekelle, Ethiopia (eye surgeons only). COMPLETED. 

May 16 - 20:  Surgery campaign, Gondar, Ethiopia (eye surgeons only). COMPLETED

August:  Cataract Surgery Campaign, Nekemte, Ethiopia (eye surgeons only)

September 18 - 24:  DCR Surgery Campaign, (eye surgeons only)

November 17-22:  VOLUNTEER TRIP - security situation permitting

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WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN VOLUNTEERS?

Requirements:

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• At least 18 years of age (no exceptions, for legal reasons)

• Fluent in both Hebrew and English 

• Flexible even in uncertain conditions and situations, no problem with physically challenging accommodations and surroundings.

• Highly motivated, takes initiative, pitches in

• Leadership experience in youth groups, army, or other settings is preferred 

• Works well as part of a team

• Can 100% COMMIT to the dates of the trip - our volunteer teams are small and carefully balanced among ages, skill set, and if people cancel after committing it causes problems for the mission. If you are interested in a trip that is close to a family event, personal event, army enlistment, if your workplace may not approve your leave, please do not apply.

Our work is done in Gondar in northern Ethiopia, and the surrounding villages and it is the third world in every sense. The conditions of the trip are challenging. There are no public bathrooms, accommodations are on the level of a very simple youth hostel, there are times when the electricity is off, where running water is not available, WIFI and connectivity in general is never guaranteed, and we work long days in the field. Things often change at the last minute and flexibility and resiliency are essential.

The main activity of our volunteer trips are running Mobile Eyecare clinics in rural villages (watch here for an example). Laypeople are trained to operate devices that screen for glaucoma, auto-refract for vision, and they check in patients, manage medication distribution, fit patients with reading glasses, and more. It is a very hands-on experience and we all work hard together.

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EMTs, in addition to participating in our Mobile Eyecare Clinics teach first aid and CPR to medical staff in Gondar University hospital, out in the field, and also to laypeople in the Jewish community.

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All volunteers are invited to help with the SSEJ feeding program for malnourished children during early mornings in the Jewish compound.

Volunteers cover their expenses for the one-week trip to Gondar, Ethiopia. We DO have a limited number of scholarships for each mission, so if you need financial assistance let us know. The cost of the one-week volunteer trip is currently $1500 including flights to/from Israel (the biggest expense by far), food, and lodging. Additional expenses are getting an e-visa, getting to and from the Israeli airport, and vaccinations as needed. 

LODGING: We stay at the Lammergeyer "hotel" in Gondar, which is across from the University of Gondar Hospital, and a 12 minute walk to the Jewish compound. The rooms are on the level of a very very basic youth hostel. They have different standards for cleanliness and comfort. You sleep under a mosquito net. There is often hot water available for showers but not always. Electricity and running water are not always available throughout the day.

FOOD: We eat all of our meals at the Lammergeyer hotel and the food is quite decent. The kitchen serves both Kosher and non-Kosher food and the Kosher certification is overseen by Rabbi Menachem Waldman of Haifa, Israel, who has been the religious leader of the community for decades.

• Local fare includes injerra, fish, pasta, shakshuka, eggs, and pancakes.

• We recommend bringing non-refrigerated foods and snacks as well, particularly for selective eaters.

• Water can only be drank from sealed bottles that you can purchase daily at the hotel or locally.

• We recommend not eating uncooked vegetables or fruits. 

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

• We spend a lot of time selecting volunteers, and we carefully balance each volunteer cohort for ages, skills, and so on. If you apply to volunteer, please be CERTAIN that you are available to join for the dates of the trip you are applying for.

• Entering Ethiopia from Israel requires a Visa that needs to be applied for online and received before travel

• All travelers need to check with their local doctor or travel clinic to find out what innoculations / immunizations you need to get. Some vaccinations need to be given well in advance. 

• It is recommended to take malaria pills but check with your own doctor.

• You need to purchase travel insurance before your trip

• Wifi service is very spotty there and you cannot be guaranteed connectivity. A local SIM card offers the best connectivity but even so the wifi can be cut off in the country at any point and different times.

• We take photos throughout our trips and missions, and by coming with us you consent to us using photos of you on our website, social media, emails and more.

• You would be directly helping and interacting with people who otherwise have no means or access to medical care, and it is an immensely rewarding and life-changing experience. Read testimonials of past volunteers below.