ADDIS ABABA – The Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) announced its continued focus on economic empowerment and poverty reduction initiatives across Ethiopia.
On Thursday, GTF inaugurated five biogas digesters in model households, along with school latrines, a school reading park, and vermin-compost projects in Suluta City, Oromia State. These projects aim to promote green and clean energy within the community.
GTF Healthcare Environment and WASH Program Manager Tekilu Hailu stated that the foundation prioritizes economic empowerment, poverty reduction, and livelihood improvement programs, particularly focusing on women and youth.
GTF has implemented various initiatives to address community challenges, including programs focused on nutrition, pollution reduction, quality education, health, and environmental sustainability (green and clean energy). The foundation has also provided training to enhance teacher capacity and supplied educational materials to support quality education.
GTF has achieved significant success in recycling plastic waste. Four years ago, it launched a 28 million Birr Integrated Urban I-WASH project in Suluta City to enhance green and clean energy and reduce emissions.
Over the past four years, GTF has planted over 30,000 indigenous trees in Suluta, Dodola, Legetafo, Bishoftu, and other locations to contribute to green economy development through its integrated urban WASH program.
GTF aims to expand its projects to other states and is currently exploring various avenues to achieve this. However, securing adequate funding remains a significant challenge. The foundation is eager to collaborate with international and local partners to maximize resource mobilization and expand its outreach to more communities.
Tekilu Hailu emphasized the importance of strong support for local NGOs through financial assistance, capacity building, and other means.
The recently inaugurated initiatives are expected to benefit approximately five thousand citizens, including students, households, and other community members. GTF has been implementing livelihood improvement programs with the support of local and international donors.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 28 DECEMBER 2024
