Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) has been active in Ethiopia since 2011, beginning with emergency relief in response to the East Africa drought. Over the years, HIA has expanded its efforts to support vulnerable communities across the country through integrated programs focused on food security, clean water access, education, and livelihood development. As humanitarian needs have intensified due to conflict, natural disasters, and economic challenges, HIA continues to respond with both immediate aid and long-term, sustainable solutions. Our initiatives aim to build resilience by empowering communities with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to improve their living conditions. With a strong commitment to serving those most in need, HIA works in some of the most underserved and crisis-affected regions of Ethiopia.
Agricultural development
Water management
Infrastructure development
Humanitarian assistance
Education
With cyclical droughts getting worse every year and inter-ethnic conflict on the rise, HIA aims to assess and respond to underlying causes fuelling the disputes. HIA focuses on increasing climate resilience as a cross-cutting issue throughout all activities, since climate change and environmental degradation exacerbate the effects of poverty and marginalisation, making Ethiopia’s most vulnerable even more vulnerable.
With close to 50% of the population not accessing potable water and less then 50% accessing sanitation, the majority of communicable illnesses are still attributed to waterborne diseases in Ethiopia. Coupled with dry periods lasting years in the East African country, expanding access to safe water remains another cross-cutting issue that connects HIA’s development projects. From cleaning and improving water sources to creating water treatment facilities and supporting local committees, these interventions also positively influence the outcomes of connected educational, agricultural and healthcare-related projects.
Population growth and dwindling agricultural yields have resulted in one of the fastest urbanisation rates observed in the entire world. Youth unemployment, especially in the cities poses a significant issue for Ethiopia. HIA continues to support marginalised and at-risk persons via niche vocational training programmes, income-generating grants, capacity building, entrepreneurship and business management trainings.
The lack of educational infrastructure is a major challenge for education in Ethiopia. By improving the educational infrastructure through school rehabilitations and provision of learning equipment, HIA strives to provide the necessary stable and safe environment can be ensured for students and teachers.
