Where We Work: ERITREA

This site is on hold until further notice. 

Do you have a sense of adventure and a desire to serve in Africa? Would you like to live a simple life style close to the people and share your faith and talents with the poor? Would you like to work on a pastoral team and live in a small community with other lay missioners? If so, we would like to invite you to consider joining us in our mission work in Eritrea's capital city of Asmara.

Asmara: What's it like?
After more than thirty years of bloody war, Eritrea gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993. But the young country continues to face difficult challenges. 

The tension along the border with Ethiopia continues and efforts to de-mine some of the border areas have been slow and difficult. After three years of drought, the country also faces a serious famine crisis.

Although Catholics are only 3.5 percent of the total population of 3.4 million people, they play an important role in the country's struggle for justice and a decent life for its people.

The Bishop of Asmara, who is a Comboni Missionary, has requested that we send Comboni Lay Missionaries to work in the Catholic high school and to provide assistance and training for the personnel in the various diocesan offices. There would also be opportunities for the lay missioners to work directly with some of the pastoral and social ministries of the diocese.

Although English is the language used in the schools, the local language of the people is Tigrinya. We will have our lay missioners study this language for about four months at the beginning of their assignment.

What Kind of Work Would You Do?

• Teaching positions in the Catholic high school of Asmara -- in the areas of computer training, English, Religion, etc.

• Training support for some of the diocesan offices -- in the areas of administration skills, computer training, accounting skills, etc.

• Support for some of the diocesan pastoral and social ministries (AIDS Ministry, Women's Promotion, Health Care, Food Distribution, etc.)

What Kind of Candidates Are We Looking For?
We are looking for candidates with some skills and experience in the following areas:

• Teaching experience.

• Some experience working with parish and/or community groups, and at-risk populations.

• Skills and talents in health care, job training, and parish youth ministry.

What Does The Comboni Lay Mission Program Provide?

• Preparation: We provide a solid 14-week preparation for mission program at our center in LaGrange Park, IL. It includes classes and workshops in mission theology, skills for cross-cultural living, area studies, methods of popular education, communication and team building skills, mission spirituality, and community.

• Language Training: New lay missioners assigned to Eritrea will study the local language of Tigrinya.

• Orientation and Ongoing Support: A Comboni Missionary working at the mission site will serve as a mentor and advisor for the lay missioners. The lay missioners will also be part of a pastoral team made up of missionary priests, sisters, and local lay leaders.

• Room and Board: Housing is provided for the lay missioners, along with a monthly stipend for personal expenses and for food. (Approximately $100 for personal expenses and $100 for food expenses.) The lay missioners also receive an annual allowance of $300 for professional growth, retreat, and vacation expenses.

• Health Insurance and Other Benefits: Lay missioners are provided health insurance and transportation to and from the mission site in Eritrea. Upon successful completion of their three-year contract, they will also receive $1800 for relocation expenses.

How Do You Take the Next Step?
If you would be interested in serving as a lay missioner for three years in Asmara, Eritrea, please take a look at our Requirements for Admission. If you think you meet the requirements, fill out the Preliminary Form and we can begin to discuss the possibilities.

See other site descriptions: Peru, Guatemala, Kenya, South Africa

Images from Asmara: