Debra Corey: My week in Ethiopia with Hope for Justice

In this guest blog, global HR consultant Debra Corey shares what it was like to join a skills-based voluntary exchange to Hope for Justice’s programmes in Ethiopia.

Debra, who is also a trainer, speaker and best-selling author of six books, described the trip as ‘life-changing.’

She joined four other HR professionals as well as Hope for Justice staff on the visit in mid-November. It was an opportunity to give something back, while sharing knowledge and expertise.

Here, Debra shares her daily diary entries from her time in Ethiopia, which reveal some of what she learnt, experienced, and contributed.

So here I go – off on a trip that’s been on my bucket list for years. You’d think I’d be excited, proud even. But honestly? I’m mostly nervous.

Partly, it’s the usual travel jitters (yes, even after hundreds of trips, I still get them) – especially travelling with two enormous suitcases. Normally I manage fine with one, but this time the extra case is packed full of gifts for the children and the people I’ll be meeting and training. Somehow, that makes it feel even heavier – in weight and meaning.

But mostly, it’s the nerves that come from doing something completely out of my comfort zone.

This trip will be unlike any I’ve ever taken.

What – I can’t go out and explore? That’s always been my thing, my way of connecting with new places. But this time, for safety and security reasons, I can’t.

What – I’ll be spending time with children who’ve endured unimaginable trauma, experiences I can’t even let myself picture?

And what – I’ll be training HR professionals and leaders who face realities I’ve never had to? Will my lessons, my tips, my stories still resonate with them?

OK. Deep breath. Let’s get this all out of my system.

Time to bring to Ethiopia the positive Deb – the one who knows she can do anything. The one who believes that whatever she brings, however small, will make a difference.

Deep breath.
And jump.

We’ve officially arrived in Ethiopia for our volunteering trip with Hope for Justice and Slave-Free Alliance. Today was about orientation – understanding the country, the charity’s mission, and the powerful work being done to protect vulnerable children.

We also came together as a team to brainstorm how to deliver the most impactful training for the on-the-ground team – pooling our experience, insights, and ideas to create something meaningful. The energy, creativity, and shared commitment were inspiring. So proud to be part of this incredible volunteering group (Ian Pettigrew George Whalley Catherine Sullivan-Williams Laura Lloyd) and joining Hope for Justice staff Helen Sharp, Britta Lam, Neil Wain, and Rosalyn Roden.

Later, a simple walk down the road for water (and, of course, coffee, as it is Ethiopia) gave us a stark reminder of the realities faced here. Seeing young children begging for money was heartbreaking.

That moment reinforced why this work matters, and why organisations like Hope for Justice are so vital. They are driving meaningful, lasting change, giving children hope and a chance at a better future.

Feeling humbled, grateful, and more motivated than ever to contribute in any way we can.

By the way, here is a link to where you can contribute to the charity on my fundraising page: https://lnkd.in/e5BnAbur.

Today was truly eye-opening – and, if I’m honest, a little (okay, a lot) magical. We spent the day at Hope for Justice and Slave-Free Alliance‘s Lighthouse, meeting the dedicated staff and the incredible girls whose lives are being transformed through their care and support.

When we first arrived, there were smiles all around – but also a sense of wonder. Wonder from us, curious about how these young girls, who have faced so much, would respond to us . . . and wonder from them, trying to work out who we were and why we’d come.

But then came the jump ropes – and instantly, the wonder turned into pure joy and laughter (though not necessarily because of Ian Pettigrew and George Whalley‘s jumping skills)!

Next up was origami, with Laura Lloyd teaching everyone how to make paper cats. The girls’ faces lit up with pride as they showed us their creations – small moments of creativity and confidence that felt truly special.

Later in the day, we ran training sessions with the staff on resilience, wellbeing, communication, storytelling, feedback, and appreciation. The volunteering team brought each session to life, and the staff engaged beautifully – open, curious, and ready to learn. I’m confident they’ll take these insights and apply them in powerful ways.

I feel deeply honoured to spend time with such inspiring people – to learn from them, share moments of joy, and witness the power of hope in action. This experience continues to remind me why supporting Hope for Justice matters so much.

Have you ever had a day so full of kindness, hope, and humanity that it completely fills your heart and humbles your spirit? Today was one of those days.

We visited another Hope for Justice and Slave-Free Alliance Lighthouse during our volunteering trip, this time a centre for boys – and from the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by warmth, laughter, and an incredible sense of community and pride.

It was educational in so many ways – learning how the staff welcome boys into the centre and provide not just safety, but belonging, support, and hope for the future. Their dedication is extraordinary.

The boys themselves were so open and full of energy. Within minutes, we were invited to join their activities – and before I knew it, I was on the volleyball court trying to keep up (and, yes, missing more than a few shots). But the boys’ encouragement and smiles said it all – a reflection of the positive, caring environment the staff have built.

Later in the day, we spent time with the staff – not just training them on skills, but learning from them too. It became a true exchange of insight and heart. Their stories, dedication, and perspective were deeply humbling, reminding us that learning flows both ways. I felt so proud to stand alongside such compassionate and committed people.

We ended the day with music and dancing, watching the boys proudly perform songs from their communities – each group stepping into the circle with confidence and joy. It was a true celebration of culture, identity, and belonging.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing hosts, the incredible children, and my fellow volunteers – together, you created a day I’ll carry with me always.

Today was a powerful reminder of what true collaboration looks like – and how it can drive change and make a difference!

We travelled to Wolaita to visit a school and community centre supported by Hope for Justice and Slave-Free Alliance, and witnessed first-hand how partnership and shared purpose can make a lasting impact.

In conversations with the team, we learned how charities, government bodies, and local communities work hand-in-hand – united by one mission: to protect, empower, and create safe environments for children. They don’t dwell on their differences; they focus on what truly matters: ensuring every child is safe, supported, and given the chance to thrive.

And there were also moments that stay with you, like this one when one of my brilliant fellow volunteers Catherine Sullivan-Williams joined a circle of children dancing at the community centre.

The laughter, the music, the sense of connection – a joyful reminder of what safety and hope look like when they come to life.

Another brilliant and powerful day. Thank you to the team who made it so special.

“What’s your secret to building and maintaining a successful community business?”

That was the question I asked an incredible group of women today when we visited one of Hope for Justice and Slave-Free Alliance’s Self-Help Groups – and their answers were as humbling as they were inspiring.

They immediately credited Hope for Justice for their success, not themselves – yet the pride shone brightly in their faces. Their confidence, unity, and quiet strength said everything words could not. Before asking my question, I told them that I had never felt so proud to be a woman and a mother.

Several moments from the day will stay with me forever . . . .

When they greeted us in song, chanting words that translate to “I can do it,” radiating strength, discipline, and determination.

When they proudly brought out their new goats to show us what they had bought with the money they had collectively raised.

When they shared that their community bank still holds funds, with plans underway to open a shop.

And when we learned that Hope for Justice supports 450 women’s Self-Help Groups across Ethiopia – not by giving money, but by providing training, mentoring, and the tools to build something sustainable. Love this approach, so powerful!

We ended the visit sharing food and coffee that the women had grown and prepared themselves – a simple act that carried deep meaning, connection, and again, pride.

It was one of those days that fills you with hope and admiration. These women are proof of what’s possible when empowerment replaces charity, and when belief in people’s potential drives real, lasting change.

What a way to wrap up our volunteering trip to Ethiopia – delivering a full day of training to the incredible local staff of Hope for Justice and Slave-Free Alliance, alongside a group of volunteers who started as strangers and ended as a true team.

In just one day, we covered resilience, wellbeing, leadership, empowerment, feedback, appreciation, and hope. Watching a group of HR professionals co-design and deliver meaningful, engaging sessions despite only meeting days earlier was genuinely inspiring.

And the learning went both ways. We came to share skills, but left inspired by the passion, strength, and commitment of the staff. New tools, new perspectives, and renewed purpose for all of us.

We closed the day with a special surprise for fellow volunteer Ian Pettigrew, celebrating the upcoming launch of his brilliant book ‘Hope is a Strategy.’ In true Ian fashion, he gifted everyone a signed copy – a perfect end to the experience.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire Hope for Justice team for giving us the chance to witness your life-changing work firsthand. It has been an honour!

And to my fellow volunteers and the amazing organising team – thank you. I’m so grateful to have shared this journey with you.

Debra, from Rugby, has more than 20 years of experience in HR, working in senior roles at companies such as Gap Inc., Merlin Entertainment and Reward Gateway. She now offers consultancy, keynotes and leadership workshops through her own business Step It Up HR, helping organisations with their HR strategies, initiatives and culture.

She has also been named as one of the Top 101 Global Engagement Influencers and HR Most Influential Thinkers.