Ethiopia

HIA’s first project in Ethiopia started in response to the 2011 East Africa Draught. Our projects focused on supporting the poorest population groups by providing education, adequate food and water supply.  HIA has provided a school with equipment, implemented a water management program involving 250 people, rehabilitated wells, and did the construction of a 13 000 m³ reservoir in the frame of a drought risk reduction program.

The humanitarian situation in Ethiopia deteriorated significantly in 2021, leading to increased humanitarian needs across the country, with more than 20 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection in 2022.  Conflict in the north of the country (Tigray, Oromia), ethnic violence in other areas, and natural disasters such as flash floods and drought in the South of the country were further exacerbated by the skyrocketing food prices, resulting in an all-around dire humanitarian situation in the country.

In 2021, HIA implemented agricultural and educational projects in Gambella region, South-West Ethiopia: a 4-classroom school was built in Tierkodi, while in Itang a new communal well was dug, providing water to 4000 people. In addition to the aforementioned improvements, two new mills were also completed in the poverty-stricken region. Fishing nets, seeds for sowing, sheep and goats were also distributed, while our experts provided training for the communities on their sustainable use.

With the new year  – 2022 – came new projects in new locations: in the West Guji Zone of Oromia region we aim to improve livelihoods by the means of agricultural projects. By introducing irrigation methods our goal is to increase food security for drought and conflict-affected populations. Our first step was to build mechanised and hygienic wells for 4 communities lacking potable water. The education component of this project also provided 215 beneficiary children with school materials, books, pencils etc.

The region of Afar is one of the most neglected areas in terms of development projects in Ethiopia, with limited social services, poor infrastructure, low administrative capacity and extreme poverty. By renovating schools, increasing teachers’ capacities to provide quality education and organising vocational trainings (such as leatherworking) for unemployed youth, Hungarian Interchurch Aid aims to create a viable alternative to child labour in the region through education and also helps them to an improved livelihood after the completion of their studies.

The education project components includes the renovation and furnishing of a school with three classrooms, a library and an indoor canteen to ensure hygiene, as well as a kindergarten attached to the aforementioned school. The project also included the renovation of the water supply system and the school toilets by the expansion of existing facilities with 12 new water taps, a 5000 litre water tank and a separate female hygiene room.