Empowering Rural Communities: Embrace Relief’s SEED Program in Ethiopia

In a concerted effort to uplift rural communities and foster sustainable economic growth, Embrace Relief collaborated with the local social affairs department in Ethiopia to distribute 40 goats to 20 families in need. This initiative, part of Embrace Relief’s S.E.E.D. (Sustainable Entrepreneurship through Eggs and Dairy) program, aimed to provide families with not only immediate resources but also the tools and knowledge necessary for long-term self-sufficiency.

The SEED program represents a holistic approach to community empowerment, focusing on sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. By providing families with livestock such as goats and chickens, Embrace Relief seeks to lay the foundation for economic self-reliance and empowerment. Moreover, the program offers comprehensive training in animal husbandry, business management, and market access, equipping beneficiaries with the skills needed to thrive as entrepreneurs.

During the distribution event, which took place at the end of February, Embrace Relief representatives had the opportunity to visit the homes of selected families and engage with the recipients firsthand. These interactions provided invaluable insights into the impact of the SEED program on the lives of beneficiaries.

Meseret Tafesse, one of the recipients, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Getting this opportunity by itself is wonderful. It is my first time to get such a chance, and I am very grateful and happy for that.” Meseret is a single mother, the father of her children having abandoned them, and now must work as a militia member for the village. However, she believes these goats could give her the financial income that she has been hoping for; “I do believe that getting these goats will give me hope.”

Desta Idossa, another beneficiary, shared her aspirations, saying, “I want to take care of the goats, breed them, and be a role model for my village.” Deseta is a mother of three children and worked washing clothes and planting vegetables for a farm. “I will take care of [the goats] and keep them healthy to breed them to make more and more to be exemplary for our community, for our Social Affairs Department to show them what I can achieve.”

Every woman that Embrace Relief spoke to was thankful. “I want to thank from the bottom of my heart for everyone who donated, supported to make this project happen. The project may or may not succeed but thinking about me, giving me this opportunity by itself is a great honour and that is enough,” said Woinshet Seifu, a mother of five from Bulga Village.

Two Goats Can Change the Lives of Families in Need

Beyond providing livestock, the SEED program emphasizes the importance of education and training. An expert from the Sandafa Beke Agricultural bureau conducted a training session on goat husbandry and management, imparting valuable knowledge to the recipients. The training covered various aspects, including proper nutrition, shelter requirements, and healthcare practices for goats. He highlighted the significance of understanding the goats’ nature and needs, emphasizing the need for proper care and attention. Abraham stressed the importance of regular veterinary check-ups and providing a balanced diet to ensure the goats’ health and productivity. He concluded by encouraging the recipients to take care of their goats diligently, knowing that their efforts would lead to sustainable income generation.

Emebet Mamo Haile, the head of the Women, Children, and Youth Affairs department in Sendafa Beke, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards us for their continuous support, particularly during challenging times like the Covid-19 pandemic. She emphasized the significant impact of the empowerment project on vulnerable women in the community. Emebet stated, “Today you come up with a genuine project to empower women. Honestly, I’ve never been happier. Some of these women don’t have husbands or children to support them, and they struggle with low economic status. Since you gave them this opportunity, I am very happy, to be honest.” She appreciated the thoughtful allocation of male and female goats to each family, recognizing the project’s potential to bolster the city’s economy directly. Emebet highlighted the project’s transformative nature, shifting from emergency aid to sustainable development, which aligns with the department’s objective of empowering women economically. She also called upon other organizations to emulate this model of sustainable development programs, underscoring the significance of such initiatives in fostering long-term community resilience. Emebet concluded by extending gratitude to the Embrace Relief Foundation for their invaluable support and expressed hope for continued collaboration in uplifting the lives of women and their communities.

In addition to the distribution event, Embrace Relief plans to conduct follow-up visits every 3 to 6 months to ensure the well-being of the animals and provide ongoing support to the families. This commitment to sustained engagement underscores Embrace Relief’s dedication to creating lasting change and empowering communities.

The SEED program exemplifies Embrace Relief’s commitment to holistic community development, addressing not only immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity. Through initiatives like these, Embrace Relief continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of marginalized communities, empowering them to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.