A typical day at the Joy Center begins at 5.30 am with the girls rising and getting ready for devotions.  The devotions, led by either Konjit or Yodit the two house mothers and mentors, provide guidance for the girls on all aspects of living and are Bible-based.  As well as discussing God’s message the girls learn about and discuss topics as diverse as HIV/AIDS, life values or work ethics.  Each girl has her own Bible in Amharic.

With devotions over, the girls may complete homework, study or perform a variety of household chores, sweeping and mopping the main and other floors, washing clothes (all by hand in the courtyard), cleaning their rooms etc.  A quick and light breakfast is had before the girls (with the exception of any attending night school) are all out the gate and headed for school around 7.45 am.  They all walk to school.

The girls return at around 4.00 pm and once again undertake chores, washing their school clothes and any other washing not done in the morning.   There is time for relaxation before homework and study time commences sharp at 5.30 and runs through until 7.30 pm.  Dinner is served immediately (the girls assist on a roster basis) and once dinner is over the dishes are done and floor swept.  The girls may continue with homework or simply relax with music or perhaps local television, until at 8.30 they go to bed to read for 30 minutes in Amharic.  Lights out is at 9.00 pm.  Some of the older girls may stay up to continue with study or homework.

On Friday nights the girls are allowed to stay up later and watch a movie.

Listening to gospel music, playing games such as skipping games, the weekly movie, reading and simply talking amongst themselves are the girls’ main recreational pursuits.

The house is run around the principles of instilling into the girls good study habits, cleanliness, domestic skills, a strong work ethic, the value of shared work loads and cooperation.