ADDIS ABABA – In a significant step toward strengthening domestic civil societies, over 100 civil society organizations have signed a financial and capacity development program with international donors yesterday.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of 101 local and grassroots Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), associations, and networks in Ethiopia, boasts a total budget of more than 6.5 million euros and will run from 2023 to 2025 and will span five years, from 2023 to 2025.
During the signing ceremony, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Country Representative, Sara Worku announced that the initiative is funded by the EU Delegation to Ethiopia, co-financed by WHH Headquarters, and implemented in collaboration with the Development Expertise Centre Ethiopia (DEC) and the Consortium of Self-Help Group Approach Promoters (CoSAP).
“Out of the total funding, 3.75 million euros will be allocated directly to 75 local organizations,” Sara explained. The first phase of grants will provide 50,000 euros each to 36 of these organizations, while the remaining 25 out of 101 will receive capacity-building and sectoral support.
She highlighted WHH’s long-standing presence in Ethiopia since 1972, previously known as German Agro Action (GAA).
As one of the largest international NGOs in Germany, Sara said that WHH operates independently of political and religious affiliations, focusing on combating hunger and promoting sustainable food and nutrition security through integrated, multi-sectoral programs.
Program Manager Mesfin Degaga on his part emphasized that the initiative aims to bolster the internal capacity of these organizations, enabling them to participate actively in democratic processes and conflict resolution.
He stressed the importance of strengthening indigenous civil society to enhance the country’s overall development and governance.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2024
