First in Ethiopia

God Sees Them.
So Do We.

EL-ROI Prisoners Family & Needy Aid Organization is the very first in Ethiopia dedicated to supporting children and families affected by parental incarceration — filling a crucial gap overlooked by the justice system.

150+

Children receiving support and care

45

Families empowered across Ethiopia

5

Regions across Ethiopia reached

I'm not who is imprisoned, it's my children out there.
— A father of three, Fiche Prison

Where It All Began

Est. 2019 — Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

EL-ROI's origin story began with a trip to a region called Fiche in Ethiopia, to visit a local prison. What we encountered there changed everything. We met a father of three, a prisoner burdened by mental distress stemming from the desperate circumstances of his children struggling with no one to care for them.

His heartfelt plea resonated deep within us. This encounter spurred the decision to contact and support his children as if they were our own. That moment sparked the birth of EL-ROI — an organization that has blossomed into a beacon of hope, the very first in Ethiopia dedicated to supporting the families of prisoners.

We believe that God wants to give us His eyes to see those who struggle in extreme poverty, striving to teach ways to break the cycle of material poverty by providing clothing, food, resources, and life-skills training.

EL-ROI — "The God Who Sees"

EL-ROI is one of the Hebrew names for God in the Bible, translating to "The God Who Sees." Our motto: God sees them. So do we.

EL-ROI • Hebrew • "The God Who Sees"

"God sees them. So do we."

Our guiding principle since 2019

Vision, Mission & Goal

Guided by faith and driven by compassion, we work to protect children and strengthen families.

Vision

To see every child and prisoner's family get the support they need through protecting children and strengthening family ties.

Mission

Offer help and inspire hope to children affected by parental incarceration and families who are in need.

Goal

To ensure that every affected child and family receives the protective support and resources they need, fostering strengthened family bonds, restored hope, and sustained well-being.

Core Values

Child Focused

Integrity

Equality

Accountability

Compassion

Collaboration & Networking

Community Engagement

What We Do

Through advocacy, lobbying, and awareness, we create systemic change for children and families affected by incarceration.

Advocacy

Strategically shaping policies and societal norms to protect and empower children affected by parental incarceration. Our approach is rooted in child rights, evidence-informed policy, and inclusive participation.

  • Policy research & public awareness campaigns
  • Coalition building & stakeholder engagement
  • Legislative influence & capacity building
  • Monitoring & resource mobilization

Lobbying

Influencing policy in Ethiopia for the protection and strengthening of families affected by parental incarceration across child protection, education, health, and social sectors.

  • Policy briefs & targeted memos
  • Budget advocacy & training programs
  • Collaboration with prisons, schools & authorities
  • Driving systemic change through evidence

Awareness Raising

Shedding light on the challenges faced by families of prisoners, mobilizing communities, policymakers, and partners to act with compassion and urgency, combating stigma.

  • Storytelling & thought leadership
  • Social media & community dialogues
  • Media partnerships & education campaigns
  • Elevating voices of affected families

Measurable Impact

Data-driven approach demonstrating results and informing continuous improvement.

0
Children Supported
0
Families Empowered
0
Regions Reached
0
Year Established

Why Partner with EL-ROI

Join an organization with a proven, scalable model, strong governance, and measurable impact in child and family protection.

Rights-Based Approach

Holistic interventions that protect children, empower families, and promote durable well-being.

Strong Governance & Accountability

Transparent board, regular audits, impact evaluations, and safeguarding policies.

Measurable Impact

Data-driven approach with improved material security, education continuity, and reduced stigma.

Sustainable, Local-First Focus

Ethiopian staff, robust local networks, and diversified funding for long-term continuity.

Partnership Pillars

Program Alignment

Co-design interventions that meet community needs and align with national priorities.

Resource & Knowledge Sharing

Leverage expertise, data, and networks to maximize impact.

Governance & Transparency

Shared governance practices, regular reporting, and safeguarding.

Sustainability

Local capacity building and diversified funding to ensure long-term continuity.

Measurement & Learning

Robust monitoring and evaluation to capture outcomes and learn.

Become a Member

EL-ROI welcomes organizations who share our vision. Join us on our way to creating a supportive community.

Steps to Membership

1

Letter of Request

Prepare a letter of request for membership, print it, sign, stamp, and scan it.

2

Company Profile

Prepare your organization's company profile in soft copy.

3

Registration License

Prepare your registration license in soft copy (scanned).

4

Submit Application

Fill the membership request form, attach all documents, and submit.

Membership Request Form

Be Part of the Change

Every contribution brings us closer to a future where no child suffers because of a parent's incarceration. Your support transforms lives.