Currently we have several projects running, all focused on helping people in oppressive situations who – with an absolute minimum of assistance – should be able lead a decent life and, if possible, build a better future.
Within the framework of a social project 70 families get a monthly fee to provide for their basic necessities: food, housing, clothing and medical care if necessary. And the young ones, an obligation to attend school. ‘Family’ we feel is open to a broad definition, i.e. ranging from single elderly and students, to complete three-generation families.
Education is one of the pillars on which our projects rest. Students graduating from high school with results meriting a Government grant for University, may apply to the Foundation for a supplementary grant. Government support is minimal and inadequate for students from the lower socio-economic layers of society, which includes many young people positively targeted by the Lalibela Foundation.
Education for All, including the blind and others with disabilities. More than ten years ago, we managed for schools to open their doors to the disabled. By 2015 no fewer than four out of six young people in our student project are blind.
The economy is improving even in poverty-stricken Lalibela, creating perspectives even for the very poorest in Lalibela. In 2015 we started setting up micro credits and other employment-creating projects, such as a vegetable garden.
Pictured here is the very first female tuk-tuk driver, Bizuye, who was able to obtain her driver’s license thanks to a loan from one of our volunteers.