Project Harar is celebrating 25 years of changing lives. To mark our anniversary, we will be sharing 25 stories over the course of 2026.

**25 years ago, one journey changed everything.**

In April 2001, Jonathan Crown travelled to Ethiopia for the first time. He had trained as an accountant, following in his father’s footsteps. But at heart, Jonathan was a creative with a deep passion for photography. He travelled to the ancient city of Harar on a photographic expedition; it was this moment that would change so much for so many.

Outside his hotel, Jonathan passed a young boy begging, his face covered. When the child lifted his veil, Jonathan saw the reality of his condition and the isolation he was living with.

Jonathan gave him money. However, he could not get the thought of this child’s reality out of his mind. He could not forget him.

Jonathan asked around to find the boy, who was known amongst the community, forming a party that searched throughout the night until the following morning. Their search for the boy, now known to be Jemal, came back fruitless. However, they did find Fhami, another younger boy who had suffered a devastating hyena bite.

Jonathan returned to London, leaving instructions for Jamal to be found and a promise that he would not forget them.

**The bustling markets of Harar; where our charity began 25 years ago.**

Back in London, Jonathan began to act. He spoke to organisations. He raised funds. He worked with partners including British Airways and Mercy Ships. With support from embassies in both Ethiopia and the UK, a complicated journey was arranged.

Later that same year, both boys travelled from Ethiopia, via London, where Jonathan set up a place for them, and their guardian Mekonnen, to stay. He showed them the sights of London, before they continued their journey to The Gambia where Mercy Ship’s flagship MV Antastasis was docked, to receive life-changing surgery.

Many people made this possible, but it began with a single person choosing to act. In that moment, it became something bigger. Jonathan saw the scale of need and recognised something critical; children should not have to travel across the world for treatment.

The first programme in Ethiopia brought 17 children from Harar to Addis Ababa for cleft surgery and today, 25 years on, Project Harar works across Ethiopia, reaching the most remote areas. Over 12,500 children have now received life-changing treatment for cleft lip, palate and other complex facial disfigurements, all because of the actions of one man.

This is the legacy of a remarkable human being and one decision to act. As we begin our 25th year, we celebrate not only what has been achieved but the lives changed, the families supported, and the work still to come.

Happy 25th Birthday, Project Harar.

Join us in our celebrations as we share 25 stories for 25 years