ORDA Ethiopia

Non-Timber Forest Products and Alternative Livelihoods for Sustainable Forest Management
Bahir Dar, Ethiopia –ORDA Ethiopia, in collaboration with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and funded by BMZ, is implementing a project in Quara Woreda, Western Amhara, aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable forest management.
This initiative spans 858,588 hectares, including 157,399 hectares of woodland forests and 266,570 hectares within Aletash National Park, covering both state-owned and community-owned areas.
Currently, 57,993 hectares of state-owned forests are being sustainably managed by 1,805 members (231 of whom are women) of participatory forest management (PFM) cooperatives, with support from ORDA-Ethiopia. These forests provide valuable non-timber forest products, such as incense, honey, and wild fruits.
The project has established four new PFM cooperatives and strengthened eleven existing ones, offering training in alternative livelihoods like honey production and fuel-saving technologies.
Additionally, it has distributed transitional beehives, materials for incense production, seedlings, and improved crop seeds. As a result of these efforts, the cooperatives have produced 1,398 quintals of incense, generating earnings of 30,765,000 ETB, and harvested 404.8 quintals of fruit, yielding 2,145,620 ETB in income.
Over 80% of the beehives are now producing honey, and the introduction of 802 fuel-saving devices is helping to reduce deforestation and carbon emissions, benefiting both the community and the environment. Thanks to #Welthungerhilfe (WHH) for their support of this project.

ORDA Ethiopia, in collaboration with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and funded by BMZ, is implementing a project in Quara Woreda, Western Amhara, aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable forest management

"ORDA Ethiopia's New Project Empowers Women, Children, and People with Disabilities in Chifra Woreda"
ORDA Ethiopia, funded by CBM Italy, has commenced a new project titled “Multi-sectorial intervention for the improvement of health, nutritional, and livelihood conditions, with a focus on women, children, and people with disabilities in the Chifra Woreda of the Afar Region.” The project, which runs from February 2024 to January 2026 with a budget of €457,094.50, aims to improve the health and well-being of the Chifra Woreda communities through a multi-sectorial approach.
This initiative is carried out in collaboration with LVIA, COOPI, MCMDO, and regional sector government offices, emphasizing support for vulnerable groups in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.
The intervention includes the formation of 30 Village Economic and Social Associations (VESAs), comprising 528 members, including 32 individuals with disabilities. These groups are saving twice a month and discussing social and economic issues such as savings, gender equality, and disability-inclusive development. Training sessions have been conducted for VESA committee members and other stakeholders, alongside the distribution of essential VESA kits.
Furthermore, the project provides gender-based violence (GBV) case management and psychological first aid training, as well as disability-inclusive development training and gender concept and women's empowerment training. Disability mapping in six villages identified 276 individuals with disabilities, with 218 requiring assistive devices.
Additionally, ORDA Ethiopia secured land for constructing an office for the Organization for Persons with Disabilities (OPD) and assessed and addressed needs at Wa'ama school.
ORDA Ethiopia's ongoing efforts include the construction of an office for the Organization for Persons with Disabilities (OPD) to promote gender and disability inclusiveness in all activities. Thanks to #cbmItaly_ for the support of this project. #cbm

"ORDA Ethiopia's New Project Empowers Women, Children, and People with Disabilities in Chifra Woreda"

R2G Project Enhances WASH and Nutrition Services in East Gojjam
Bahir Dar, Ethiopia - ORDA Ethiopia's Right to Grow (R2G) project, funded by the Max Foundation, has significantly improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and nutrition services in the East Gojjam Zone. Since its launch in 2022, the project expanded to 32 kebeles by 2023. It conducted community awareness workshops, revitalized community-led platforms, and trained local experts.
In 2024, R2G also trained private sector workers in internships and financial management to enhance WASH and nutrition services. The local government of Aneded Woreda allocated 200,000 birr for these activities for the first time, thanks to R2G's support. Private sectors in Aneded and Debre Eliase Woredas promoted WASH technology within their communities.
Overall, these combined efforts resulted in allocating over one million birr for nutrition activities in 2024, boosting community engagement and private sector involvement. Beneficiaries, including local government representatives, have praised the project's impact in reducing under nutrition and improving community well-being in the East Gojjam Zone, all made possible with the generous support of the #MaxFoundation.

ORDA Ethiopia's Right to Grow (R2G) project, funded by the Max Foundation, has significantly improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and nutrition services in the East Gojjam Zone.

እንኳን ለጌታችን ለመዳኃኔታችን ለኢየሱስ ክርስቶስ የልደት በዓል በሰላም አደረሳችሁ!
Happy Christmas; the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
--------------------------------------

ለአመልድ ኢትዮጵያ ሠራተኞች፣ ለጋሽ ድርጅቶች፣ ተጠቃሚዎች እና ለመላ ኢትዮጵያዊያን እንኳን ለ 2017 ዓ.ም የጌታችን የመዳኃኔታችን የኢየሱስ ክርስቶስ የልደት በዓል በሠላም አደረሳችሁ፡፡ በዓሉ የሰላም፣ የፍቅር የጤና ይሁንላችሁ!

ዶ/ር ዓለማየሁ ዋሴ
የአመልድ ኢትዮጵያ ዋና ዳይሬክተር

Happy Christmas to all ORDA staff, donors, partners, beneficiaries, and Ethiopians. May this holiday be filled with peace, love, and good health as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Alemayehu Wassie (Ph.D.)
Executive Director of ORDA Ethiopia

"Training for Capacity-Building Support by USAID/BHA Project"
On January 2-3, 2025, in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, representatives from ORDA Ethiopia and Save the Children convened to discuss capacity-building support for the USAID/BHA project. It was noted that a needs assessment had been conducted prior to the implementation of the BHA project to enhance ORDA Ethiopia's capacity. Based on the assessment results, extensive discussions were held regarding the continuation of this support. Consequently, Save the Children's representatives provided training to ORDA Ethiopia's management team on safety and security, advocacy and campaign, career and performance management, and reporting and planning automation systems. They also indicated that future training sessions would cover additional topics.
Thanks to #USAID /BHA for funding this project. #SaveTheChildren

This forum took place on December 17, 2017, in Bahir Dar, and again on December 30, 2024, in Kombolcha. These events were part of a four-party agreement among Abay Bank Share Company, ORDA Ethiopia, the Amhara Region Cooperative Promotion Authority, and the Amhara Region Labor and Training Bureau, aimed at facilitating loan access for youth participated in the MaYEA program.

Ato Getnet Amare, head of the Cooperative Promotion Authority, in the welcoming speech emphasized the program's objective of facilitating employment opportunities for young women and men, with a strong focus on women, for whom 80% of the opportunities are targeted. Additionally, 10% of the opportunities are designated for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. He noted that the MaYEA Program is committed to mitigating unemployment and fostering economic development in the region. At the forum reached a consensus that the Cooperative Savings and Credit Union would oversee the management of credit disbursement.

Representatives, including managers and board chairpersons from five cooperative savings and credit unions—Menqor, Kokb, Soser, Yeledet, and Tana—along with local zone leadership, were actively engaged in the discussions.

In her concluding remarks, Mrs. Yezina Desta, Director of the Cooperative Promotion Authority, highlighted the critical role of stakeholder engagement in ensuring the program's success. Participants acknowledged the program’s potential to enhance beekeeping practices, add value to products, and contribute to food security, improved livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.
The MaYEA Program, managed by ORDA Ethiopia, operates within the Amhara Region—in 41 woredas across 9 zones—as well as Tigray, Afar, and Benishangul Gumuz regions. The focus is on improving the quality of honey and beeswax products, modernizing production techniques, providing training, and developing the overall value chain. The program aims to achieve a significant decrease in youth unemployment in the area. #Mastercard_Foundation.

The Mass Youth Employment in Apiculture Program (MaYEA), led by ORDA Ethiopia in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, conducted a consultation forum focused on enhancing loan disbursement processes.

የአመልድ ኢትዮጵያ ፋይናንስ መምሪያ የ2024 በጀት ዓመት መዝጊያና የ2025 በጀት ዓመት ማስጀመሪያ ስነ ስርዓት አካሄደ።
ORDA Ethiopia's Finance Department held a ceremony to close the 2024 financial year and start the 2025 financial year.

ORDA Ethiopia extends heartfelt New Year wishes to all our esteemed donors and partners. May this festive season bring you peace, health, unity, and solidarity.

December 30, 2024 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia –. ORDA Ethiopia's Woreilu NTD WASH project, funded by CBM International, works to stop trachoma and improve water supply in Woreilu, Jamma, and Legehida woredas.
In Jamma Woreda, it built the Ketarri RPS water system for 10.4 million ETB. This system has a 50m³ reservoir, a collection chamber, seven water points, and one tap, all powered by solar panels.
The community played a big role in this project. It gives water to 5,820 people—2,920 men and 2,900 women—at a rate of 0.89 liters per second. It includes 5,524 meters of water pipes and cost the community 1.3 million ETB, with 2,536 people helping out.
Water coverage in the Woreda increased by 3.5%, reducing the time people spends collecting water. This leaves more time for work and school. Training was given to nine User Committee members to keep the system running smoothly.
Ato Aserat Muhiye said, "I used to struggle with just two jerrycans of water a day, but thanks to Ketari RPS, my family can now get up to four jerrycans a day, which has improved our health and happiness."
W/ro Ayinalem Goraw stated, "I used to wait for hours to get one jerrycan of water. Now, I can easily get enough water, keeping my children clean and healthy."
The project has been handed over to the local community and water office. ORDA Ethiopia staffs were praised for their efforts. This project shows how working together can improve water access in Jamma Woreda. CBM funds this project, and we are thankful for #CBM_ generous support.

ORDA Ethiopia's Woreilu NTD WASH project, funded by CBM International, works to stop trachoma and improve water supply in Woreilu, Jamma, and Legehida woredas.

UNICEF representatives visited the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project sites in Wag-Humrra and North Wollo Zones, implemented by ORDA Ethiopia. The project includes rehabilitating water supply systems, integrating solar energy, and improving school hygiene and sanitation. During their visit to Segno Gebya Village, the representatives observed the successful installation of solar-powered water systems and improved sanitation facilities, including dedicated menstrual hygiene management for women and girls. They expressed their deep appreciation for ORDA Ethiopia's diligent efforts, highlighting these initiatives' significant positive impact on the community's health and well-being. Thanks to #UNICEF_ for the support of this project.

This collaborative effort between WHH and ORDA Ethiopia focused on life-saving and life-sustaining interventions for war-affected communities. Key activities included the distribution of agricultural seeds, goats, and unconditional cash to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Tehuledere and Habru areas. Over the three-year period, a total of 41,132,000 ETB was transferred to 1,655 households across various kebeles, following guidelines from the Amhara cash working group. Additionally, lifesaving activities involved distributing 305 quintals of wheat flour, 30.5 quintals of split peas, and 1,016.5 liters of edible oil to 1,033 IDPs. The project also supported 280 conflict-affected households by providing 840 healthy local goats, thereby ensuring essential support for sustaining livelihoods.

The North-Northwest subnational Hub of the MaYEA program, in partnership with the #MastercardFoundation and led by ORDA Ethiopia, holds a regional summit.
A Regional Learning Summit held on November 25-26, 2024, organized by The Well in Action in Axum, brings together various stakeholders, including government representatives, youth advisory groups, and private sector partners. The summit was attended by 69 participants representing the MaYEA program, the regional government, the private sector involved in honey production, and academic institutions.
In his opening speech, Ato Haish Subagadis, head of the Tigray Regional Youth Bureau, emphasized the importance of collaboration to help participants access financing for income-generating activities. Throughout the summit, participants engaged in field visits to observe the practical implementation of the program, which provided insights into the challenges and successes of creating youth employment. The summit also fostered stakeholder engagement, strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, development organizations, and youth enterprises.
The Regional Learning Summit served as a vital platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning, reinforcing the potential of the MaYEA program in impacting youth employment and economic development in Ethiopia.
A Mass Youth Employment in Apiculture (MaYEA) program in Ethiopia aims to tackle youth unemployment by promoting apiculture and related agricultural value chains.

The North-Northwest subnational Hub of the MaYEA program, in partnership with the #MastercardFoundation and led by ORDA Ethiopia, holds a regional summit.

ORDA Ethiopia Woreilu NTD Wash Project Celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities

ORDA Ethiopia Woreilu NTD Wash Project, in collaboration with the Werilu woreda Women and Social Affairs Office celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2024. This year's theme was "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future." The event included a coffee ceremony, panel discussions, and creative presentations by individuals with disabilities, including Ato Seido Sheh Alie. The project also provided assistive devices, such as white canes and braille materials. In recognition of its efforts, the Woreilu woreda Women and Social Affairs Office awarded ORDA Ethiopia Woreilu NTD Wash Project an Appreciation Certificate. #cbm

ORDA Ethiopia Marks 16 Days of Activism

On December 3, 2024, ORDA Ethiopia staff marked the 16 Days of Activism, combining the observance of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and World AIDS Day. In her opening speech, Dr. Shirbre Jorga, ORDA Ethiopia's Deputy Executive Director for Resources, stressed the importance of moving from awareness to action. She said that since violence against women, people with disabilities, and those living with HIV/AIDS are social problems that affect everyone, ORDA Ethiopia staffs must support each other to overcome these issues.

Ato Freselam Zegye, chairperson of the Amhara Region Disabled Persons Association, spoke about the rights and roles of people with disabilities. He emphasized the need for accessible places and inclusive plans. He noted ORDA Ethiopia's efforts to create a supportive environment for people with disabilities and urged for continued strengthening of these initiatives.

ORDA Ethiopia has made significant progress in combating GBV through various actions. These include raising safeguarding awareness among diverse groups, training GBV Task Forces and frontline workers on incident mapping and psychosocial support, strengthening referral and service connections for quick assistance to GBV survivors, developing a GBV referral tool for streamlined service connection, and establishing and equipping eight centers that offer comprehensive services for survivors.

In addition to its GBV efforts, ORDA Ethiopia is committed to disability inclusion. They have provided assistive devices, inclusive educational materials, and medical assistance. They have also strengthened Organizations of Persons with Disabilities for better advocacy and facilitated education for persons with disabilities, including an inclusive boarding school. ORDA Ethiopia's combined efforts reflect its dedication to supporting marginalized groups and fostering an inclusive society. #cbm #crs

“We have benefited greatly from the project, which has taught us many things we did not know. Thanks to #Welthungerhilfe _ (WHH) for its support, this project has truly transformed our lives.”

The West Amhara forest facing problems due to the high demand for land and its products, which harms the environment and creates social and economic issues. To tackle this, ORDA Ethiopia and Welthungerhilfe started the 'Mitigating the Negative Impacts of Climate Change in the Western Amhara Region' project.
Ato Atinafu Mekonene, a 40-year-old farmer from Dubaba Kebele. Before the project, Atinafu didn’t know much about irrigation farming. After joining, he received training and was given papaya and banana seedlings in 2023. By July, the plants increased, and within three to four months, his papaya trees started producing fruit. Each tree gave 80 to 120 fruits, which he sold for 70 to 100 birr each. He also sold bananas for 80 to 100 birr per kilogram. In total, he earned 120,000 birr, which greatly improved his family’s income and farming skills. Atinafu expressed his gratitude, saying, “We have benefited greatly from the project, which has taught us many things we did not know. Thanks to #Welthungerhilfe _ (WHH) for its support, this project has truly transformed our lives.”

ORDA Ethiopia's SPIR II Project Achieves Key Milestones in Food Security and WASH Services
Kombolcha, Ethiopia—ORDA Ethiopia's Strengthening PSNP Institutions and Resilience II (SPIR II) project, funded by USAID and implemented in partnership with World Vision and Care Ethiopia, held a workshop in November 2024 in Kombolcha to review its third-year implementation and outline the fourth-year plan.
In its third year, the SPIR II project has made significant strides, benefiting 242,704 rural households across nine woredas in the Amhara Region. The project successfully distributed 15,095 metric tons of food, reaching all beneficiaries, including 131,894 women, achieving a 100% distribution rate. The food items distributed included wheat, sorghum, fortified supplementary food, and vegetable oil. Nutrition initiatives supported pregnant and lactating women, referring 1,032 children with severe acute malnutrition and assisting 3,114 underweight children in reaching their target weights.
SPIR II established 612 adult village economic and Social Associations (VESAs) with 13,735 members to enhance community resilience and facilitate over $206,000 in loans. The project also engaged 304 (178 F) youth in livelihood training and identified 316 advocates to promote shared household responsibilities. In the area of mental health, training on psychosocial support raised community awareness and improved referrals for specialized care.
In water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), 48 hygiene promotion campaigns led to 92 villages being declared open defecation-free, providing basic sanitation to 20,938 individuals and clean drinking water to 16,124 others. ORDA Ethiopia’s Deputy Executive Director for programs, Agriculture, Nutrition and Disaster Risk Management Program director, coordinators, and implementers participated in this initiative. The project continues to make significant impacts, thanks to the support of #USAID_.

Certificate of Appreciation
We are delighted to announce that the North Wollo, Lasta Woreda Administration has recognized ORDA Ethiopia and #UNICEF_ for their project successfully transitioned from fuel reliance to solar energy, significantly benefiting the community by ensuring a sustainable water supply. We are honored to receive a certificate of recognition and appreciation, highlighting the positive impact of these efforts on the community. Thanks to #UNICEF_ for the support of this project.

Progress in WASH Services for Drought-Affected Regions in Amhara

The ORDA Ethiopia/UNICEF project, "Emergency Provision of Life-Saving WASH Services to Drought-Affected Populations in the Amhara Region," is making significant progress in providing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in the Wag-Humrra (Tsitsika Woreda) and North Wollo (Lasta Woreda) Zones. Primarily funded by UNICEF, which contributes 92% of the finances, the project focuses on rehabilitating water supply systems, integrating solar energy, and enhancing hygiene and sanitation in schools.
As a result of the initiative, 35,893 individuals have directly benefited. In Tsitsika Woreda, two water systems have been rehabilitated, and solar power has been installed. In Lasta Woreda, two blocks of ventilated pit latrines and an additional block designed for menstrual hygiene management have been completed.
To promote community ownership and sustainability, training has been provided for nine WASH committees, as well as for 30 students and teachers from school WASH clubs. This effort has led to improved access to safe water and enhanced hygiene and sanitation for drought-affected communities in the Amhara region. Thanks to #UNICEF_ for the support of this project.

https://youtu.be/lBuYSH5euio

ARARI Officials Visit Bahir Dar Plant Tissue Culture
Today, the Bahir Dar Plant Tissue Culture welcomed the Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI) delegation. The visiting officials included Dr. Alemayehu Assefa the Crop Research Director, Dr. Semahign Aserdie, the Technology Seed Multiplication Director, and two other researchers.
The ARARI officials expressed their appreciation for the Plant Tissue Culture 's progress and the variety of products it offers. They highlighted the importance of strengthening the collaboration between the region's research centers, commercial tissue culture operations, and the regional agriculture bureau. Additionally, they discussed the establishment of a forum to enhance cooperation among these organizations.
The officials commended the company for producing market-driven products and suggested increasing advertising efforts to boost product sales.

We always strive to access safe drinking water for rural residents whose health hardly deteriorates due to hygiene and sanitation problems. Apart from its agricultural interventions, ORDA Ethiopia’s ICD project has played a significant contribution for water access of rural residents in Libokemkem woreda since 2018. It constructed 95 water facilities in the last years of implementation. The project participant’s livelihoods, including hygiene and sanitation have been improved significantly.
Thanks #Glimmer Of Hope for your generous support for this project.
# hygiene_and_sanitation #livelihood

ORDA Ethiopia in partnership with #CBM_Italy is carrying out Multisectoral intervention for the improvement of health, nutritional and livelihood conditions, with particular attention to women, minors and people with disabilities in the Chifra woreda of the Afar Region. Part of the the project activities, It has conducted training of Trainers (TOT) on Village Savings and Loan Associations (VESA) in Semera City. This training emphasized the social and economic benefits of village economic and social associations ( VESA), focusing on gender and disability inclusion. Thanks #Italian_Agency_for_Development_Cooperation for your generous upport for this project!
#EmpowerChange #InclusionMatters #AfarRegion

ያገለገሉ የኮንስትራክሽን ዕቃዎች፣ የግብርና መሣሪያዎች፣ ኤሌክትሮኒክስ እና ሌሎች የቢሮ መገልገያ ዕቃዎች ሽያጭ የጨረታ ማስታወቂያ

We celebrated world Mental Health Day with the motto; “It is time to Prioritize mental health in the workplace.” Its objective is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma that surrounds people with mental health problems.
ORDA Ethiopia’s deputy executive director Shibre Jorga as remarked on her opening speech; every one should give care for his act, speech and relations with colleagues and customer to bring mental health in the workplace.
In the event Resilience Food Security Activity (SPIR II) project’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Progress was presented for the staffs to create awareness about mental health and its impacts in our community. Additionally, a question and answer session was held by invited panelist from ANRS Health Bureau, Bahir Dar University and Amhara Public health institute.
World Mental Health Day was celebrated for the first time on 10 October 1992.

We are delighted to announce that the South Wollo Zone Water and Energy Department has recognized ORDA Ethiopia and #CBM International for their significant contributions to clean water initiatives. We are honored to receive a certificate of recognition and appreciation, highlighting the positive impact of these efforts on the community.

Ato Mengaw Kindie, 35, lives in Shina Tsion kebele, Libokemekem woreda. He is married, and a father of 3 children. He was working hard on agriculture to fulfill his livelihood expenses by renting lands and working off farm activities. But, he was in trouble to fulfill his food consumptions and other basic expenses. But by joining ORDA-Ethiopia`s Integrated Community Development Project (ICD), he got enough wealth for his family.
Click this link to get the full story,
https://www.ordaethiopia.org/index.php/news/33-newsflash/723-fattening-ensures-livelihood-improvement-for-farmers

ORDA Ethiopia has been working for the early recover and socio- economic stability of conflicted affected population in Amhara and afar Regions through its SELAM II project, which budget received from Care Austria via Care Ethiopia from the European Union. It is delivering agricultural tools, crop seeds and other agricultural inputs for war affected communities.

ORDA Ethiopia, in partnership with #German_Humanitarian_Assistance (#WHH), is working to mitigate the worst effects of water scarcity and hunger through access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services and provision of emergency assistance to vulnerable communities in acute crises in south and North Wollo Zone Amhara Region

ORDA Ethiopia, in partnership with #German_Humanitarian_Assistance (#WHH), is working to mitigate the worst effects of water scarcity and hunger through access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services and provision of emergency assistance to vulnerable communities in acute crises in south and North Wollo Zone Amhara Region since 2022.
The emergency response has focused on life saving and life sustaining interventions for communities affected by the war. It delivered food, Cash, WaSH, protection, and accountability related activities. Part of the response, it distributed unconditional cash/CVA and food and non-food items to internaly displaced people (IDPs) in Tehuledere and Habru areas of Amhara Region.
Unconditional Cash Transfer of Birr 29.97 million made possible to 3,506 HHs (1,801 female headed) living in 3 IDPs Camps (Jarie, M/Eyesus & Mersa and Seglen Kebele). It also distributed non food items of 1,166 Blanket, 450 Mattress, 1,360 Washing Basin, 700 Jarican, 700 Jogs with 3 cups and 450 Cooking pots to 2,823 HHs (1,405 HHs female headed) of living in those 3 IDPs camps. Additionally, 1,033 HHs (525 female headed) received 305qt Wheat Flour, 30.5qt Split Peas and 1,016.5L Edible Oil and 99qt Kuncho Teff Seed. Furthermore, 928 HHs (440 female headed) received 684 local goat to engage in rearing.

Selamiye Meskel church forest is found in Amhara region, south Gondar Zone, Estie woreda, Jibasera Kebele, and it covers 10.3 ha of land, it has 280 ( 12 F) religious followers. It has also different fauna and flora species diversities inside the church forest (PFRA data, 2022)

Selamiye Meskel church forest is found in Amhara region, south Gondar Zone, Estie woreda, Jibasera Kebele, and it covers 10.3 ha of land, it has 280 ( 12 F) religious followers. It has also different fauna and flora species diversities inside the church forest (PFRA data, 2022)
Before the intervention by the Landscape Restoration Using Church Forest Relics project, this sacred forest faced significant challenges. Its boundaries were unclear, and adjacent landowners had encroached illegally. Natural forests within the church area suffered from inadequate protection, leading to conflicts and disrupting peaceful prayer. Moreover, the local community lacked awareness of the forest’s spiritual, economic, ecological, and social significance.
Workshops and training sessions actively involved the community, fostering a sense of ownership. Improved forest management practices included planting seedlings and introducing diverse tree species, transforming the landscape beyond mere social well-being. The church forest now thrives, preserving genetic resources, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change effects.
Collaboratively, the community demarcated boundaries, meticulously mapping the forest using GPS technology. Stone fences now protect the forest, ensuring its safety and allowing religious followers to pray undisturbed. Natural regeneration has flourished, with more than 33 indigenous tree species returning through sprouting and seed germination. Animal biodiversity—species like Medaqu, Tinchel, and Tota—has made a triumphant comeback. Even non-woody species, such as Thymus schimperi (Tosegne), contribute to community income. Thanks #Cartier_for_Nature_ for your generous support!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKWJ963-Kp4&ab_channel=ORDAEthiopia
https://youtu.be/UdsmIkRagMw?si=GvO0-s3-RxF2XhXk
https://youtu.be/8fGe-CPWZlE?si=2eeq8dwTfIhvzwu7
https://youtu.be/jZZaw9CIvsw?si=yqgZMWFXVEPUUMclhttps://youtube.com/watch?v=8fGe-CPWZlEhttps://www.facebook.com/ORDA-Ethiopia

We are thrilled to share third-party witnesses about ORDA Ethiopia from women children and the Social Affairs Bureau of Amhara Regional State. We are honored for our significant contribution in protecting and eliminating early child marriage and female genital mutilation in partnership with the Amhara Regional State.

The kick-off workshop for Project Eth 1232 was successfully launched in Gonder City on October 24, 2024. This project aims to improve water, sanitation, hygiene, and livelihood conditions for Eritrean refugees and host communities in Amhara and Afar. Benefiting 1,334 people, the project includes activities such as setting up mini-shops, salons, bakeries, restaurants, and mobile repair services, as well as poultry and livestock farming, vocational training, and agriculture. Key activities involve metalwork, woodworking, masonry, and the production of maize, cotton, vegetables, and fruits. Led by ORDA Ethiopia and funded by BMZ through WHH, the project is implemented by AEID with support from partners like ANE, AIED, UNHCR, RRS, and RCC. Risk mitigation measures are in place to ensure the project’s success, promising lasting benefits for the communities involved.

ORDA Ethiopia's Integrated Community Development project, which is funded by #Glimmer_of_Hope, enabled farmers to engage in value chains of Cattle fattening, shoat rearing, poultry, onion & garlic cultivation. it brought significant livelihoods improvement for farmers.

A comprehensive training program for master trainers from the MaYEA Clusters, focusing on business plan validation, financial management, and loan management has been conducted. The training was conducted in Addis Ababa and brought together 30 master trainers from Bees for Development Ethiopia, Population, Health and Environment-Ethiopia Consortium, The Well in Action, and ORDA Ethiopia.
The training was focused on Loan Management Guidelines, Financial Management and Business Plan Validation to empower master trainers to deliver high-quality training to program participants, ultimately contributing to the success of the MaYEA program. MaYEA Program is implemented in partnership with the #Mastercard_Foundation.

After the training, she started door to door business with ETB 2500 initial capital immediately. She earned ETB 6,200 net profits in one year, and she also continued the micro-franchise business for the second round in 2024 and earned ETB 4,700 net profit.

W/ro. Abeba Getachew, 33, lives in Enat Guya Kebele, Meket woreda. She is a single mother with two children. Previously she was living in Gambella Region with her husband before 7 years ago. In 2015, She fled from Gambela region due to internal ethnic conflict and also all her asset, including her marriage. She returned to her homeland, Enat Guya Kebele. At this occasion, she has been selected by SPIR II- Resilience food security Activity Project (RFSA), which is funded by USAID, and joined Addis Zemen Village Economic Association. Subsequently, she has participated awareness sensitization meetings and trainings on shoat fattening; poultry production, and micro franchise and improve her both theoretical and practical skills.
After the training, she started door to door business with ETB 2500 initial capital immediately. She earned ETB 6,200 net profits in one year, and she also continued the micro-franchise business for the second round in 2024 and earned ETB 4,700 net profit.
She expanded her idea to fattening shoats. From shoat fattening, she earned a total of ETB 19,530. In addition to those businesses, she also engaged in poultry value chain by receiving 10 chickens from pullet grower. From this business, she sold 400 egg and 2 chickens itself and earn a total of ETB 4, 800 benefits till today. Finally, w/ro. Abeba thanked SPIR II project and ORDA Ethiopia, which solved her economic problems. Thanks #US_AID for your generous support!

The project is focused on the Amarit communal plantation site in the South Gondar Zone, Dera woreda, Huletu Wogedamie Kebele, covering 14 hectares and benefiting 87 residents.

ORDA Ethiopia, in partnership with Cartier for Nature (CFN), has initiated a three-year project to rejuvenate forest landscapes in the Amhara region. The project aims to restore the original forest structure and species diversity in the forest relics managed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) to enhance ecological integrity and human well-being. The project is focused on the Amarit communal plantation site in the South Gondar Zone, Dera woreda, Huletu Wogedamie Kebele, covering 14 hectares and benefiting 87 residents. Through community involvement and the planting of 53,746 seedlings, the previously degraded area has seen significant improvements, including enhanced water sources, soil fertility, and biodiversity, contributing to sustainable livelihoods and environmental health. At the Amarit Terara communal forest, 86 local woody species have been recorded, categorized as follows: - Trees: 43 - Shrubs: 31 - Herbs: 3 - Lianas: 6 - Climbers: 3 additionally, the site hosts 50 local non-woody species, categorized as: - Herbs: 5 - Others: 45 the recorded wildlife at Amarit Terara communal forest includes 14 species. This project is a successful model of community-led environmental restoration, fostering ecological and socio-economic benefits. Thanks #Cartier_for_Nature_ for your generous support!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKWJ963-Kp4&ab_channel=ORDAEthiopia
https://youtu.be/UdsmIkRagMw?si=GvO0-s3-RxF2XhXk
https://youtu.be/8fGe-CPWZlE?si=2eeq8dwTfIhvzwu7
https://youtu.be/jZZaw9CIvsw?si=yqgZMWFXVEPUUMclhttps://youtube.com/watch?v=8fGe-CPWZlEhttps://www.facebook.com/ORDA-Ethiopia