According to Webster’s dictionary a “pilot program” is a small-scale, short-term experiment that helps an organization learn how a large-scale project might work in practice.

As an OCE supporter, you have heard the words “pilot program” many times to describe the work that has been carried out over the past 4 years in Ethiopia. You’ve read reports and seen pictures of the amazing success of the 5 key programs that are the framework, the pillars and vision of what OCE set out to accomplish for the 5 million plus vulnerable children in Ethiopia.

Good news! Today, we can share with you that these ambitious pilot programs - launched and supported by a cast of thousands of local volunteers - have now moved beyond the “small scale, short-term experiment” to a “large-scale project that WILL work in practice” – and on a national stage.

In order to better communicate this important transition from small to large scale, both geographically and contextually, the name Orphan Care Ethiopia has been changed to Alliance Care Now (ACN), as shared with you last month. In late March, the leadership team headed for Ethiopia to meet with new associates and secure agreements needed to facilitate the next steps.

The 10-day trip included very productive meetings with the Mayor of Addis, the head of the Agency for Civil Society, a head of UNICEF, the Cabinet for Women/Children/Youth/Social Affairs, Ethiopian ambassador to USA and the National/Regional church denomination leaders.