ADDIS ABABA-Ethiopians and foreigners of Ethiopian origin residing in the U.S. have been providing financial and in-kind support to the Clean Streets – Healthy Lives movement, Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C. said.
In its social media post, the Embassy announced that a fundraising program for the initiative, which aims to create a decent toileting culture back home, was organized last Wednesday.
Speaking at a webinar fundraising session, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the U.S.Seleshi Bekele (PhD) indicated thatmembers of the diaspora community promised to build 12 toilets at estimated value of 18 million Birr. Furthermore the Embassy’s staff made a donation of 74,000 Birr and 17,945 USD to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s (PhD) initiative.
Ambassador Seleshi also mentioned that the movement aims to make Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and the seat of the African Union, clean, green and comfortable for its residents and visitors. Clean Ethiopia, in addition to its contribution to environmental cleanliness and health;it also creates a sizable number of jobs for women and youth. “It is the responsibility of every Ethiopian to take part in this project, which would change the face of their country.”
It was also disclosed that the Embassy’s diplomats and employees have donated their salaries to the initiative.
Lauding Ethiopian Diasporas’ unrelenting involvement in different projects, the Ambassador extended calls for increased support to expedite development endeavors in their homeland.
Meanwhile, Office of the Prime Minister organized a day-long digital telethon today that aims to collect 50 million Birr for #Clean Ethiopia According to the office, the event will create a favorable environment for citizens to participate in the movement.
The digital telethon is said to be designed to showcase the public’s capability of creating a positive impact in the common agenda.
Clean Streets- Healthy Lives movement aimed to construct modern, clean, and dignified public restrooms with a strong emphasis on community involvement. Apart from the Diaspora community, individuals and institutions at home have demonstrated overwhelming support to the initiative.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
The Ethiopian Herald May 12/2024
