Hope Enterprises
Ethiopiaid has been working with Hope Enterprises since 1994 to revolutionise education in Ethiopia.
Through education, the underlying causes of problems currently being faced in Ethiopia can be tackled by giving people the knowledge and expertise needed to work themselves out of poverty.
Hope is one of our major beneficiaries and aims to tackles issues surrounding education at every level. Their guiding philosophy is the "Ladder of Hope" which involves helping people with each step required for their full potential to be reached, from basic skills through to vocational and university training.
Step 1 – The Street Children's Breakfast
In Addis Ababa, there is an estimated 60,000 children living rough on the dangerous streets of an impoverished city. Often without parents, they spend every waking hour desperately looking for food and shelter. Many are forced to beg, steal or prostitute themselves simply to get money for their next meal. For these children, education is a luxury they simply cannot afford.
In 2000, Ethiopiaid proposed the idea of a Street Children's breakfast in Addis Ababa. Through Hope, this has become a reality and every day we help to feed and school 630 street children who are rounded up by the dedicated project staff from doorways, bus stations and derelict hovels. The breakfast provides an incentive for attending informal classes in basic literacy and numeracy which are held afterwards.
By removing the constant pressure of finding money for food, the children are given time to learn and gain the skills necessary for a better start in life. Amazingly, just £100 will provide a street child with breakfast AND schooling for an entire year.
Ashenafi's StoryStep 2 – Schooling for All
The ultimate goal of the Street Children's Breakfast is to enrol these children into formal education. Hope Enterprises runs its own school which children can attend free of charge. They also provide sponsorship for children they are able to enrol elsewhere which includes money for uniforms.
The pressure of finding food and supporting themselves remains for these children so they are still made welcome at the daily breakfast before they head off for a day of classes. For some, there is still a need to work part time around school so that they can help support their family – Hope often provides the tools needed for this to be possible, for example, a shoe-shine kit.
Step 3 – The Hope Vocational College
With the support of Ethiopiaid, Hope runs a vocational training college where young people are able to learn invaluable skills for building a sustainable living. From agriculture to solar panel construction, Hope aims to promote enterprise and self-sufficiency and even helps students to secure full time placements. In doing so, they provide a valuable skills resources for growing industries in Ethiopia.
Quote: "Being in the program is a rebirth for me" – Etnesh Moges, mother and Hope Student
Hope Enterprises is now adding a further step to the ladder through the exciting new Hope University College, supported by Ethiopiaid.