PROJECT-SUPPORT ETHIOPIA

Association Addis Guzo, Bern, Switzerland

Country / Place

Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

Ethiopia is a landlocked country in north-east Africa. The country in the Horn of Africa borders Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, and Djibouti. With over 80 ethnic groups and numerous languages, Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic state and, at the same time, the most populous landlocked country in the world. A major obstacle to development is the very rapid population growth in a traditionally rural environment that often lacks basic infrastructure.  

The capital Addis Ababa is one of the largest metropoles in Africa. Ethiopia is considered one of the countries of origin of modern humanity and the country of origin of coffee. It looks back on around 3000 years of uninterrupted history. This long period of cultural and civilisational development, almost undisturbed from the outside, also makes the country a sought-after tourist destination.

General

Since 2012, the Addis Guzo Association has been operating a centre for people with disabilities in Addis Ababa and is also involved in providing aid in five towns in the surrounding Oromo region. The primary goal of the association is to improve the living conditions of the beneficiaries and thus create the conditions for a life with the greatest possible independence and dignity. Access to the services is given to people with impairments regardless of gender, age, social affiliation, political views, or religious beliefs.

Project activities

Provision of aid
The supply gap for assistive devices, especially wheelchairs, is large. In addition, medical and therapeutic care is often inadequate. Since there is hardly any state support, those affected have to provide for themselves or depend on the help of their families. This has a negative impact on their state of health, but also on their social integration, recognition, and participation in society. Every year, Addis Guzo distributes 700 wheelchairs adapted to the needs of the beneficiaries. The repair service in the well-equipped workshop guarantees that the wheelchairs can be used for many years.  

Family-centred early intervention programme
The early intervention programme is offered to families with infants and toddlers with multiple disabilities. With the active involvement of the patient’s entire family, the Addis Guzo therapy team develops an individual programme for each child. An important part of the programme is guiding the parents and caregivers so that they can support their child's development in the best possible way.  

Competence development
In the competence development area, Addis Guzo offers the following interventions: Handicraft courses for women with disabilities, basic entrepreneurial skills to start a micro-enterprise, life skills training for general prevention, health promotion and personal development, and training in recreational activities such as wheelchair basketball and contemporary dance. The educational programmes promote the skills needed for a self-determined life, enable the development of individual potential, and strengthen resilience.

Project-support

Project: Profession and work

Under the protective umbrella of Addis Guzo, women with disabilities have been successfully earning a living for themselves and their families, for over 10 years in some cases. They organise the work in their workshops independently and are responsible for transparent and correct bookkeeping. The association provides the necessary infrastructure, barrier-free access to a clean and safe workplace, further training and coaching. The three workshops produce handmade toys, cloth nappies, and clothing that stand out from the usual market offerings thanks to their high quality and uniqueness.