On February 11, 2025, the “Building Sustainable Livelihood” project has officially launched in Raphe Woreda, located in the Gedeo Zone of South Ethiopia. This important initiative is a collaborative effort between Menschen für Menschen (MfM) Switzerland and the Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association (EWNRA), with the aim of enhancing livelihoods in the region over the next three years.
The day’s event began with a traditional blessing ceremony conducted by local elders, which set a tone of unity and hope for the future of the project. Following the ceremony, the heads of both organizations gave remarks outlining the significance of the project.
Ato Afework Hailu, the Executive Director of EWNRA, welcomed all attendees and highlighted the organization’s achievements over the past 24 years across four different regions. He noted that this new project, the result of a series of assessments conducted in collaboration with MfM, is designed to improve the living standards of people in Raphe Woreda. The project will span three years, starting in January 2025.
Ato Afework also explained the selection of Raphe Woreda as the project’s focal point. He pointed out that the area was chosen due to the absence of other NGOs working there and its recent emergence as a new district within the Gedeo Zone. He expressed his gratitude to MfM Switzerland for funding the project and emphasized that its success depends on the collective efforts of all involved stakeholders.
Dr. Martin Grunder, a representative from Menschen für Menschen Switzerland, followed with a speech on the organization’s long history of supporting sustainable development. He reflected on the 40-year journey of MfM, which was founded by Karlheinz Böhm, and emphasized that the funding for this project comes entirely from individual Swiss citizens, with no government support. Dr. Grunder urged all involved to dedicate themselves to the project’s goals in order to ensure its success.
Ato Shibeshi Beyene, the project coordinator, then led a presentation on the project’s objectives and strategies. He invited participants to engage in a discussion about the future direction of the project, focusing on the importance of sustainable livelihoods and the role of community engagement in achieving the project’s goals.
Ato Getachew Zewdu, the Ethiopia country office representative of MfM, shared insights into the project development process, including the extensive assessments and preparations that took place before its approval. He elaborated on the criteria used to select beneficiaries, emphasizing that the project is specifically aimed at assisting the most disadvantaged members of the community. Ato Getachew stressed that the project could only achieve its objectives through the full cooperation of local leaders and the community. He also highlighted the importance of peace as a precondition for the project’s success, noting that Switzerland’s peace-loving culture aligns well with the peaceful environment observed in Raphe Woreda during a recent visit.
In his concluding remarks, Ato Yohanis Hidhesi, the Administrator of Raphe Woreda, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who made the project possible. He assured attendees that the local government would provide full support for the project, both logistically and administratively. Ato Yohannes reiterated the significance of the initiative for Raphe, a district that has long been in need of development assistance, and thanked the funding and implementing organizations for their dedication.
The event closed with a renewed commitment from all parties to work together in achieving the project’s goals and improving the livelihoods of the people in Raphe Woreda. This collaborative effort represents a critical step toward sustainable development and community empowerment in the Gedeo Zone.
