In Ethiopia, farming populations impoverished by drought, food shortages and the political conflicts that are plaguing the country

Dembidollo is the capital of the Soyo region, 652 kilometers west of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital.  Although the region has good fertile soil and regular rainfall, the population suffers from food insecurity due to poor farming practices, a lack of oxen for farmers, climate change and non-existent access to financing.

Infighting between guerrillas and government forces has also prevented farmers in surrounding villages from cultivating their land over the past five years. Many men have died, and more and more families have taken to migrating seasonally in search of non-agricultural jobs in the district's neighboring towns. 

Poor sanitary conditions, lack of drinking water, low incomes, lack of education (90% of the population is illiterate) and poor road conditions exacerbate people's poverty. The state of health of the population is particularly critical for families, who struggle daily to find work in order to feed five, nine or twelve family members (many very young, anemic children are underweight). 

“In the region, health facilities are small and poorly equipped, and are unable to provide adequate health services to the inhabitants, especially those residing in the most remote villages.” Sr Elisabeth Katebu

As part of their mission, the Daughters of Charity strive to ensure education, health and hygiene, water supply and sanitation in this region. 

They also pay particular attention to women, helping them to develop income-generating activities.

         The Daughters of Charity at the side of women made vulnerable by poverty, social exclusion and insecurity

“In Ethiopia, women are still very often dependent on their husbands, which marginalizes them and prevents them from exercising their rights to protect themselves. With the internecine wars of recent years, many men have disappeared and it is now they who have to provide for their families, while most have been married off early, are illiterate and have no jobs.” Sr Elisabeth Katebu

The aim of this project is to train around 15 women in the “Danka Women in Development” learning center, giving them the means to acquire basic sewing skills and start up an income-generating activity. 

“The teaching period for these women will be ten months. We will train them by employing qualified teachers. At the same time, we want to provide them with literacy courses. Once they have graduated, we will distribute five sewing machines to the most 'willing' women with families, enabling them to meet their basic needs.” Sr Elisabeth

It's with your support that we can give these women confidence in their entrepreneurial potential, and protect them from abuse and violence.

Thank you!