Editor
Philanthropy works in Ethiopia are deeply rooted in both traditional and modern practices, reflecting a strong culture of community interdependence and generosity. The key philanthropic activities and institutions include:
- Traditional institutions such as idir and iqub play a central role. Idir is a grassroots social network primarily for funeral expenses and comforting families during loss, but some extend support during life hardships. Iqub is a rotating savings and loan system pooling funds among members to offer loans without collateral.
- Informal giving to neighbors, widows, and vulnerable individuals is common, building strong social cohesion and mutual aid.
- Formal philanthropy through NGOs is limited but growing. Donations often go through religious organizations via tithes, offerings, and zakat, which partly fund humanitarian and development projects.
- Telethons and mass fundraising campaigns have been used to support victims of conflicts, natural disasters, and national development projects like the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is largely financed by individual contributions.
- Several NGOs and charitable organizations operate in Ethiopia, focusing on education, health, housing, and livelihoods. Examples include Roots Ethiopia, which works with rural communities to improve schools, educate children, and enable livelihoods; Wegene Foundation, which supports underprivileged families with education, housing, and healthcare; and Together We Learn, which focuses on improving education quality and access for children.
- International volunteer organizations like VSO have been active in Ethiopia since 1995, supporting healthcare improvements, education for marginalized children, and psychosocial aid in conflict-affected areas.
- Larger international NGOs such as CARE and Project HOPE also work in Ethiopia, focusing on humanitarian aid, health, and nutrition.
Philanthropy in Ethiopia combines strong local cultural practices with formal NGO and international support to address community needs in education, health, disaster relief, and development, creating a diverse ecosystem of charitable work rooted in solidarity and practical aid.[1][2][3][4][5]
Sources
[1] Snapshot on philanthropy in Ethiopia https://blog.philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/2020/04/08/snapshot-on-philanthropy-in-ethiopia/
[2] Home : Roots Ethiopia Inc https://www.rootsethiopia.org
[3] Wegene Ethiopian Foundation – Rebuilding Families, One … https://www.wegene.org
[4] Volunteering and charity work in Ethiopia http://www.vsointernational.org/our-work/where-we-work/ethiopia/volunteering-in-ethiopia
[5] Together We Learn – Ethiopia https://twlethiopia.org
[6] CARE’s Humanitarian Work in Ethiopia https://www.care.org/our-work/where-we-work/ethiopia/
[7] Ethiopia https://www.projecthope.org/region/africa/ethiopia/
[8] Hiwot Ethiopia | Home https://hiwotet.org
[9] Found 752 UK NGOs working in Ethiopia https://ngoexplorer.org/country/eth/show-charities?filter-skip=542
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