World Vision Ethiopia Joins Hands to Celebrate World Humanitarian Day

Addis Ababa, August 19,2013 (WVE) – World Vision Ethiopia along with its partners has celebrated the lives of heroes across the globe in recognition of World Humanitarian Day, today 19th of August, 2013 under the theme: “The World Needs More…”. The day recognizes all aid workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and celebrates the passion of humanitarians worldwide.  World Vision Ethiopia, on this occasion extends its deepest sympathy to WV staffs in Darfur who lost their lives in a recent incident while working for the welfare of others and appreciates their commitment.

World Vision Ethiopia as a leading international humanitarian organization fosters responsiveness in its efforts to tackle crises in collaboration with governments, NGOs, civil society and communities at all levels. More than ever, it is committed to serve and to bring hope to vulnerable children and communities whose lives are threatened in the wake of disasters across Ethiopia.  “We exist to give hope” said Margaret Schuler, National Director of World Vision of Ethiopia, she further said “through strategic partnership we can create resilient communities and hope for the future”.

WVE has an established presence in more than 70 communities throughout Ethiopia and in particular in 37 districts that are most vulnerable to drought, flood and other disasters.  In FY 2013, WVE has been conducting emergency and humanitarian interventions in various parts of the country addressing more than half a million beneficiaries in Tongo refugee camp, Dolo Ado refugee camp, and other parts of in SNNPR and Oromia. The sectors of intervention include emergency livestock programs such as restocking, seed and planting materials support, livelihoods support, nutrition, child protection emergency and WASH response.

WVE strategies moving forward focus heavily on ensuring that communities have the skills and capacity to reduce risk in the future, becoming more resilient and better able to withstand shocks.

For more information please contact: Meron Aberra, at meron_aberra@wvi.org, 0911-221060

End Note:World Vision began its first intervention in Ethiopia in 1971 with relief and opened the Ethiopia office in 1975. During the 1984/85 drought, World Vision Ethiopia participated in a massive relief operation that saved the lives of millions of people. After an intensive relief and rehabilitation programme, the organization developed a new integrated development approach the objective of which was to ensure empowerment and transformational change.  This approach led to the establishment of Area Development Programs (ADPs) in the 1990s that is still being implemented and continuously strengthened today.