In the regions of Sidama, Oromia, and Southern and Central Ethiopia, many people are affected by extreme poverty and a lack of access to quality education and healthcare. Many children drop out of school after just a few years because they have to work or are forced into marriage. Young people, in turn, lack training opportunities and economic prospects.
The ‘Together for a Sustainable Future’ (TSF) project run by Caritas Vorarlberg and SOS Children’s Villages Switzerland supports particularly vulnerable families and communities in a holistic manner. In collaboration with the authorities, schools are modernised, equipped with solar panels and digital learning resources, and renovated where necessary. Teachers receive training in inclusive education, digital teaching and school management. This improves the chances of children and young people receiving a high-quality education. At the same time, healthcare facilities are being expanded, and families are being educated on hygiene, balanced nutrition and disease prevention. The aim is to reduce child and maternal mortality and ensure that children develop healthily. Parents attend discussion groups on non-violent parenting and children’s rights. Furthermore, savings and loan groups and cooperatives are being strengthened. This gives young people and adults the opportunity to save money and take out loans. Thanks to literacy courses, vocational training and business management courses, they can generate a secure income.
The project strengthens families as well as local stakeholders such as authorities, cooperatives and traditional self-help organisations. It directly reaches around 255,000 people and indirectly more than a million. In addition, the programme improves the resilience and sustainable development of 189 communities.