The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its affiliated institutions launched the 2018 E.C. Summer Volunteer Service and Green Legacy Initiative in Afar and Gamo, supporting communities through volunteer activities and environmental initiatives.
State Ministers for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera and Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye joined the official launch of the initiative in the Afar Region on Wednesday (August 12), where the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities while contributing to the Green Legacy Initiative.
In Afar, the initiative is supporting the construction of 10 homes for vulnerable families and a kindergarten school, alongside the provision of educational materials for children in need and tree-planting activities as part of this year’s Green Legacy Initiative.
As part of the initiative, Ambassador Berhanu also signed an agreement with the Afar National Regional Government to ensure the timely and quality completion of the 10 homes and kindergarten. The projects are intended not only to improve living conditions, but also to create greater opportunities for children and strengthen community resilience.
The initiative later extended its solidarity to communities in Western Abaya, Gamo Zone of the South Ethiopia Regional State, where families continue to rebuild their lives following devastating landslides.
On Saturday (August 15), the delegation, led by the State Ministers and senior officials from the Gamo Zone, visited affected communities and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting their recovery and long-term well-being.
During the visit, the Ministry and its affiliated institutions provided 12.5 million Ethiopian birr to support the completion of 40 homes for displaced families. The contribution is expected to help restore safe and dignified living conditions for families affected by the landslides.
The volunteer initiative also incorporated environmental action into the recovery effort. Members of the delegation joined local residents in planting trees, linking immediate community support with longer-term efforts to strengthen environmental resilience and advance Ethiopia’s Green Legacy.
Additional assistance, including children’s clothing and women’s hygiene products, was provided to support the immediate needs of affected families.
The activities in Afar and Gamo reflect a broader understanding of volunteerism as a practical expression of solidarity, cooperation and mutual support. Through the 2018 E.C. the Summer Volunteer Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its affiliated institutions and Ethiopia’s missions abroad are contributing to efforts to improve living conditions, support vulnerable citizens, restore livelihoods and promote environmental sustainability.