ADDIS ABABA – USAID has reaffirmed commitment to continue providing the necessary support to empower Ethiopian youth.
USAID Mission Director to Ethiopia, Scott Hocklander told The Ethiopian Herald that the agency will continue the supports in empowering Ethiopian youth through Kefeta – a youth-centered financial organization.
So far, USAID has been supporting Ethiopian youth to develop saving and credit culture in order to realize economic empowerment.
As to him, USAID was strived to create a link between the youth and the private sector, financial institutes, businesses, and the social media linkage thereby building constructive community in close with various the government bodies such as the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA.)
Mentioning his experience with the Ethiopian youth he met in Hawassa and Jigjiga last year, Hocklander recalled that they were keen to get empowered and grow in their homelands. “Young people have a potential to learn new things, sharing experience, and knowledge, and taking training and they deserve that,” he added.
He further stated that the USAID will train Ethiopian youth to improve their saving and credit culture to become capable of doing businesses.
Kefeta’s Youth Advocacy Officer and Youth Friendly Health Service Provider, Bethelehem Worku (MD) on her part said that the organization is working to address health related problems among the youth.
Bethelehem also noted that Kefeta is providing services in 18 towns with 92 health service delivery points across the country. Of the various institutions, Kefeta is working in health centers, education institutions, and industries to foster healthy and financially empowered youth.
“Kefeta has trained 2,232 health service providers and deployed them to various areas of the country to address the youth challenges. Such activities are one of the ways that empower the youth,” she added.
She further added that Kefeta also works against Gender-based Violence (GBV) in cooperation with institutions that provide one stop center services. For instance, over 600,000 youth have gained service with regard to fighting GBV. Not only GBV, Kefeta also supports Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), he added.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
The Ethiopian Herald September 8/2024
