U.S. Grants Assist Community Development and Promote Democracy

November 1, 2007
No. 47/07

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – U.S. Ambassador Donald Yamamoto emphasized the United States’ commitment to improving Ethiopian livelihoods and strengthening bilateral economic ties when he presented 13 new grants to community organizations under the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program (SSHP) and Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF).

In a November 1, 2007, ceremony at the U.S. Embassy to present the grants, Ambassador Yamamoto said, “These projects will go a long way toward improving the quality of life for Ethiopians across the country. With the support of the American people, girls rescued from the streets of Addis Ababa will be able to learn income-generating skills, and single mothers in Gondar will be able to establish a small-scale dairy and animal fattening project.  Also, women-headed households in the Afar Region will be able to regain their livelihood security from the replenishment of livestock lost to drought.” 

Under the SSHP and DHRF, U.S. Ambassadors in Africa fund community-based initiatives that might not otherwise meet the criteria for traditional development assistance.  Among the projects made possible by this year’s grants are initiatives to provide potable water, supply tri-lingual library books, construct bridges, promote religious tolerance, and protect the rights and reduce the exploitation of child weavers.  

Together, the 13 projects are worth 160,000 USD (about 1.4 million Ethiopian Birr) and will reach more than 175,000 Ethiopians in eight administrative regions.  Grantees are selected from hundreds of proposals received by the Embassy and are required to meet rigorous standards.  Projects funded under the Self-Help program must improve economic and social conditions at the community or village level, be community-initiated, show evidence of local support, and be self-sustaining. Projects supported through the Democracy and Human Rights Fund projects are required to strengthen democratic institutions, promote political pluralism or advance human rights. Initiatives funded under either program must be completed in one year’s time, and support high-impact, quick-implementation activities benefiting a large number of people.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Yamamoto said, “On behalf of the American people, I am honored to support these Ethiopian groups who are working to improve the lives of their communities. Grassroots programs like this are one important part of U.S. efforts to strengthen bilateral economic relations, create jobs, and contribute to a more prosperous future for Ethiopians.”

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