The Lifetime Fund has been launched in memory of Ethiopiaid’s founder, Sir Alec Reed CBE, and in celebration of the lifetime of philanthropy he dedicated to Ethiopia. Sir Alec will be greatly missed by all of us at Ethiopiaid and we will continue to be inspired by his values and approach. His amazing legacy will live on through all the people he has helped and through the future work of our partners in Ethiopia.
As we celebrate the legacy of Sir Alec’s life, we invite you to watch this video, made in 2019 to mark Ethiopiaid’s 30th anniversary. He reflected on his journey, the relationships he built, and his deep appreciation for our committed supporters.
Sir Alec believed that Ethiopian organisations were best placed to understand and support their own communities. The trust he placed in Ethiopian partners was an inspiration. The strength of this empowering approach is now widely adopted by other charities. He championed causes that were often overlooked like support for women with obstetric fistula hidden away due to stigma
and shame; and women and girls in rural areas subjected to FGM.
Hope of Light was founded by Dr Ambaye Weldemichael, a renowned fistula surgeon, who was originally trained by Dr Catherine Hamlin. From meeting Dr Hamlin in 1994 and building a strong partnership onwards, Sir Alec believed no woman should be left to suffer in silence after childbirth. Yet for many women living with obstetric fistula – a devastating childbirth injury – pain, isolation and stigma become part of daily life when treatment is out of reach.
Hope of Light offers expert care and compassionate support to women affected by fistula, restoring health and protecting dignity for so many.
From surgery and counselling to outreach in underserved communities, this work helps women rebuild their lives with renewed confidence. By reaching women who are too often overlooked, this partnership helps ensure they are not left behind.
In Afar, where harmful practices such as FGM and child marriage continue to threaten lives and futures, APDA works to bring change from within communities. In one of Ethiopia’s most remote regions, they reach women and girls who are too often overlooked and excluded from support.
Through trusted Women Extension Workers and respected religious leaders, APDA helps women and girls feel seen, heard and supported. This partnership is helping build a future where more girls can grow up safe, and free to choose their own path.
We raise funds for local Ethiopian charities to transform lives and achieve lasting change.
Our partners know the context and solutions; we listen and provide appropriate support. Growth and development are tracked in local communities using robust monitoring and evaluation. Partnerships continue as long as there’s a clear need and opportunities to make a lasting impact.
Our vision – an Ethiopia in which every person has access to quality education, healthcare and a life of dignity.
Our mission – breaking the cycle of poverty by enabling the poorest and most vulnerable and their communities to live with dignity, to build resilience and achieve real and sustainable solutions to the challenges they face.
