Ethiopia

Inclusive education in the Sidama area

In several places in Ethiopia, disability is associated with superstition and as something that brings shame on the family. Therefore, many children with disabilities are locked inside their homes, they do not go to school and do not become an active part of society. Many of these children live in poor families, as the parents have to stay at home to look after the child and therefore cannot work. By helping the children to access school, it also gives the parents the opportunity to earn money and support the family.

In the Sidama area, IAS is working to improve the physical environment of schools so that they become more receptive to children with disabilities. We train teachers in special education and do information work among parents and the local population. The purpose of the information work is both to spread knowledge that disability is not a sin and that disabled children have as much right to go to school as non-disabled children, but also to make parents aware of any disabilities that lead to some children's disabilities are identified during the information work so that they can subsequently receive the necessary support.

The project is a collaboration with the Swiss donor, Hoffnungsnetz.

Water and sanitation for drought-stricken Borena

A severe drought hit the Borena district in southern Ethiopia in the autumn of 2017. In collaboration with IAS Ethiopia and with funds from the Danish Emergency Aid Fund (DERF), we are working to bring clean drinking water to around 8,000 needy people in 12 villages, including nomads.

Six wells are being excavated, and we also teach hygiene and sanitation. Access to clean water and health information reduces the spread of waterborne diseases. In the past, women had to go far after water, so many girls were taken out of school to help in the homes. By bringing water closer to the population, it facilitates the work of the women, and the girls are once again given the opportunity to go to school.