Ross recorded his impressions in a series of short diaries which you can hear on the right-hand side of this page. Despite the poverty and disease which stalk the country, charities and other organisations - funded by Comic Relief - are beginning to make a real difference. And, as Ross discovered, people radiate an optimism and good humour.
"I love Africa! I've visited South Africa, Tanzania, Sudan and Kenya so I feel like this is a working vacation." After leaving the local school where Ross felt they learnt more than he did at his school in England, Ross found out how Comic Relief is providing counselling, practical help and medical equipment to help those worst affected by HIV and Aids. "Nothing prepares you to see someone dying in this day and age. We know there are tablets and medicine to slow down their departure from this planet and there's nothing we can do about it. I think that's absolutely shocking." Three million people in Ethiopia are infected with HIV or Aids, and there are nearly a million children orphaned by the epidemic. A hundred thousand street children live in Ethiopia's towns and cities.ÌýThey've fled poverty, abuse or illness only to discover just how hard life on the street can be.ÌýMany are orphaned as a result of Aids, some as young as two or three.ÌýBegging and prostitution are rife, as are disease and infection.
In the gentle sun of an Addis morning, the actor went to see how Comic Relief money - that's money donated by you - can save these vulnerable children from the streets and their dangers. Ross met representatives from Goal - an organisation funded by the charity - which works to provide a happier future for the street children of Addis Ababa. The difference they are making is crucial to every child in the area. He also visited a night shelter - where he heard a harrowing story - and compared notes on his visit with a fellow traveller, Matt Lucas from the 91Èȱ¬'s hit comedy Little Britain. They even managed time for a song as Ross's journey ended... << To listen to all of Ross Kemp's audio diaries, please click on the links on the right-hand side of the page >> If you want to support the work of Comic Relief with the street children (or a host of other projects in Africa and the UK), then please call: 08457 910 910 All calls are charged at a local rate. You can also visit the websiteÌý - the link is on the right. | 
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