Some comment on role of NGOs as being far more complex than much of the NGO literature would suggest. Advocacy groups are devoting energy not only to lobbying for an increase in development assistance, but also on whether the performance improves as funds are used. Capital talked to various people in the city to ask their opinion about the recent flood and their feelings about the response of donor groups.
Excerpts follows, enjoy your reading.

How do you find donors group's functionality in Ethiopia , especially in relation to the current flood disasters in different areas?

“We should always think ‘what if they stop there donation' how will we end up?' so we have to find our own way. We got to have confidence on ourselves and should always try even if we fail”.

Meron, 25

"I was disappointed to hear my
friends saying that those who suffered the flood consequences have great advantage now thanks to the donors group support. I think it's a shame to think like that... people have lost their family members, fr iends and lovers. What on earth could replace this loss?"

Able, 21, Dire Dawa

"The outside world and Ethiopians
have done their best. I appreciate the strength and unity we have.”

Melat, college student

“I believe small contribution have big outcome. But some people don't know this at all."

Solomon , 27, Accountant

"I found the donors support fairly good
even though the country was in some sort of political crisis before the flood.”

Alem, 48, employee of Ethiopian Electric
Power Corporation

“Literally speaking what has been contributed by the donors groups was enough. I even heard that some organizations have refrained from donating because what was there was sufficient.”

Meti Moges , 27

“What they are doing shows their good heart towards people in need. But in our case, instead of trying ourselves we just only wait for their charity we are developing feeble mentality.”

Adanech Mamo , 33, Secretary

“The donors groups were late to respond to the situation, but somehow they made it.”

Unanimous

One for all all for one

By Mahider Kebede

Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world, whose annual national budget largely depends on the support from donor countries in terms of budgetary support or other form of aid. European and US governments largely fund Ethiopia in the education, health, food and many other sectors.

It is not difficult, though frightening, to imagine what HIV-AIDS, malaria to name just two of the deadliest diseases, combined with environmental hazards -drought, flood- would lead to if it wasn't for the international aid we get.
The latest floods in the country have captured everyone's attention. The country has never seen such tragic destructions through flood, one that took everyone by surprise as it bursts in various parts of the country: The flooding has affected about 363,000 people, with an estimated 145,000 displaced in seven of the country's nine regions. Ethiopia 's northern Amhara region was the worst-hit in the nation with 97,000 people affected, 37,000 of whom have lost their homes. Many have died, and those who survived have lost everything – their house and all of their belongings in the appalling ruins that occurred unexpectedly.

The population rallied to save and help those hit severely. Money, food, clothing, medicine, and kitchen utensils flocked from everywhere, both locally as well as from international donors.

The government on its part put in place a structure to build condominiums for those who lost their homes in Dire Dawa.

We were all touched by what has happened in the flood affected areas. Most of us never stopped from lending hands for the people in need. This trend has to continue not only at times of disaster but also in the seemingly normal times for some of us, but rather difficult for others in the country side, alleviating their problems; lending our own hands instead of waiting for the hands of others. We should work together always and wipe Ethiopia 's name from the list of the poorest of the poorest countries in the world.