A Day In the Life of a Ministry Social Worker

Alemnesh’s strong passion and love for children have kept her working with Compassion Ethiopia for 16 years. Before joining us as a social worker, she was engaged in a local church’s outreach to children.

Alemnesh loves ministering to children and watching them grow into mature Christian citizens.

Here’s what a typical day for Alemnesh looks like:

6:30 a.m. Alemnesh has a quiet time of prayer. She then prepares breakfast for herself and her husband, who takes her to work between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m.

8:00-9:00 a.m. Every morning the child development center and church staff enjoy devotions. They take turns sharing God’s Word and leading prayers. After taking time to pray with other staff members, Alemnesh begins the heavy work of her day.

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Alemnesh visits families who have sick children or who need support and are unable to come to the development center. After these home visits, she returns to the center and cares for children and families who come to the office.

Families often come for medical treatment or counseling. Children come to play or read in the library.

12:30 p.m. Our staff usually eat their lunch outside. Alemnesh and her co-workers have made arrangements for lunch. Female staff bring injera, a local bread, while the men contribute money for different sauces to eat with the injera.

About 10 co-workers eat lunch together on most days, but today Alemnesh’s work load makes her late for lunch, so she is joined by only one of her friends.

1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Most afternoons, Alemnesh plays with the children and helps them do their homework.

Children who come to the development center after school use the library. If it is time to write letters to their sponsors, Alemnesh helps them. She also meets with parents who come for support.

5:30 p.m. Alemnesh’s husband picks her up from work. After getting home, she will occasionally host her neighbors for coffee or prayer and fellowship.