Where we help

Founded by Australian nurse Valerie Browning in 1993, the Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA) was created alongside local Afar leaders who felt their needs were not being met by formal government services. Today, in addition to life-changing work in water harvesting, mobile health and education, APDA is dedicated to ending harmful practices, including female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and the lack of rights for women in marriage.

APIDO work to prevent and treat podoconiosis (podo), a debilitating condition caused by barefoot exposure to irritant minerals in the soil, resulting in the painful swelling of the feet and legs. APIDO work within communities, educating people on prevention, treatment, self-care and providing custom-made shoes, so that people living with the impact of podoconiosis can manage their symptoms, continue their education, return to work, and participate in their communities once again. They also raise awareness of prevention and train healthcare professionals to help eradicate podoconiosis altogether.

Hope Enterprises has created the ‘Ladders of Hope’ programme to help people in need climb from poverty to prosperity. A key focus is education with 7 sites across Ethiopia where children and young people can access kindergarten through to primary/secondary school, university or vocational training. Once a student is accepted into a Hope school every effort is made to ensure their long-term success. Hope Enterprises also works to fight hunger and malnutrition, plus improve community health through clean water and hygiene.

Hope of Light provide obstetric fistula treatment at 3 fistula health centres in Gondar, Jimma and Assela. They were founded by Dr Ambaye, a fistula surgeon with over 27 years’ experience, who was trained by the awe-inspiring Dr Catherine Hamlin. As well as providing medical supplies for fistula care, Dr Ambaye trains doctors in fistula surgery, raises awareness with health professionals and her team provide post-operative counselling for patients.

Stigma surrounding menstruation means that many girls in Ethiopia are ashamed to ask for help, and often drop out of school. Based in Addis Ababa, Studio Samuel’s project supports vulnerable girls to stay in school by distributing free reusable period packs, and through offering extra-curricular after school courses in IT and business skills, sewing, life skills and creative arts. Studio Samuel helps girls continue their education and develop important skills for future employment. Support is also given to access healthcare, tutoring and scholarships that they otherwise would miss out on. Some of the girls also go on to lead presentations at other schools on how to use the sanitary kits, encouraging both girls and boys to break the taboo.  

Wings of Healing have established four emergency clinics in Axum and Adwa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. These clinics provide emergency and essential medical care for displaced persons, particularly mothers, pregnant women, and young children. They are working to prevent communicable diseases and the spread of infectious diseases, reduce malnutrition, provide access to basic pharmaceuticals, and provide care for victims of gender-based and sexual violence.