Poverty in rural Ethiopia is widespread with 26% of people living below the poverty line, it is one of the poorest countries in the world today. Whilst most communities are affected by poverty, each is unique; problems vary depending on many factors such as disease, poor harvest and clean water provision. Too often communities are provided with help and advice that does not address their specific need. This reduces ownership of that community on a project, in turn risking its sustainability.

This project aims to establish 4,000 more Self Help Groups across Ethiopia bringing the total the project supports to 8,000. Each group empowers up to 20 members of a community to form meaningful relationships, identify needs and work together to address these using their own resources. The Kale Heywet Church, a partner of Tearfund, is established in 1000’s of communities across Ethiopia. This provides a unique basis to facilitate this work irrespective of people’s beliefs.