A new collaborative project between Menschen für Menschen (MfM) Switzerland, the financing organization and Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association (EWNRA) the implementer is to begin in Raphe Woreda, located in the Gedeo Zone of Southern Ethiopia. As part of the initial phase, a joint team from both organizations visited the area, where they held a community discussion in Dereto Kebele, one of the selected kebeles for the upcoming project.
During the meeting, local residents expressed a range of pressing challenges they face, highlighting areas in urgent need of attention. Key concerns included the lack of proper road infrastructure, high youth unemployment, inadequate access to clean water, the absence of school buildings, insufficient agricultural support, and more. These issues were brought to the forefront in the hope that organizations like MfM and EWNRA could help address them.
Responding to the community’s concerns, the team from Menschen für Menschen included Co-General Managers Claudio Capaul and Michael Kesselring, as well as Country Representative Ato Getachew Zewdu. They assured the community of the organization’s willingness to support them, emphasizing their commitment to improving local livelihoods. However, they also clarified that some of the issues raised, such as infrastructure development and government services, fall outside the scope of their direct intervention. They encouraged the community to manage their expectations and acknowledged that certain aspects, particularly those requiring government action, might need to be pursued through other channels.
EWNRA’s Executive Director, Ato Afework Hailu, expressed his admiration for the community’s resilience and highlighted the significant potential of the area. He also noted that the project would bring tangible benefits, especially if the community actively cooperates with the team and the government officials assigned to the area in the coming months.
Looking ahead, the joint project is set to officially launch in January 2025, with preparations underway. In the interim, key activities will include the selection of beneficiaries, as well as setting up local offices and logistical arrangements.
The visit concluded with a warm reception from local government officials, who hosted a traditional welcoming ceremony for the team. The officials presented a gift of Gedeo traditional clothing as a symbol of hospitality and appreciation.
Both the community members and local administrators expressed their gratitude for the support and enthusiasm shown by *Menschen für Menschen* and EWNRA, and they voiced their eagerness for the successful implementation of the project. The partnership between these organizations and the local community aims to create lasting change in Raphe Woreda, improving the lives of many in the region.
