Institute grants over ETB 403 mln in loans

The Amhara Credit and Saving Institute granted over 403 million Birr loan to low-income people living in North Shoa Zone of the Amhara State in a bid to encourage them to launch income-generating activities, the North Shoa Zone Branch Office of the Institute said.
Celebrating the 8th annual day of clients on Monday, zonal branch office coordinator with the institute Shimelis Kassa said his organization granted the stated amount of loan to more than 15,000 beneficiaries through its 28 sub-branches established in 24 woredas of the zone. He said farmers, youth, women, civil servants, and urban dwellers received the loan to start up micro and small-scale business enterprises.
The beneficiaries received loans that ranges from 600 Birr to 15,000 Birr each, he said, adding clients of the institute saved more than 176 million Birr besides improving their livelihood. The institute is also providing payment to pensioners and money transfer services to public in 28 sub-branch offices, according to the coordinator. The institute awarded 44 farmers with extraordinary achievements as part of the celebration. Over 4,000 clients took to the streets same day in support of the activities of the institution. (ENA)

WFP welcomes first donation from China to support HIV-Aids initiatives in Ethiopia

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) today hailed a donation of US$ 250,000 from the Government of the People's Republic of China, as a humanitarian contribution that would enable it to continue assisting men, women and children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.
"This donation demonstrates the Government of China's growing involvement in humanitarian endeavors on the continent, and WFP stand ready and willing to support the Chinese government in any initiatives that are clearly shown to benefit vulnerable people in Ethiopia," remarked Miguel Barreto, WFP Deputy Country Director in Ethiopia. "This is the first ever donation that WFP Ethiopia has received from the People's Republic of China, but we sincerely hope that it will set the basis for the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership," Barreto added, The hand-over was orchestrated by the Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Lin Lin. Mr. Lin who traveled to Mekele early on Monday morning.
WFP plans to purchase a further 438 metric tons of haricot beans using the contribution. The total 452 metric tons of commodities will be used to assist some 111,000 WFP HIV -AIDS beneficiaries for three months. The haricot beans will be distributed to pre- targeted individuals in Tigray, Amhara, Oromiya and SNNP regions, and also in Dire Dawa town. Results of a recent survey show that 95 percent of chronically sick people living with HIV/AIDS reported an improvement in their health status after receiving nutritious food from WFP over a six month period. There are an estimated one million people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. (Press release)

AAU Receives ETB30mln Support for of Cardiac Research Institute

Addis Ababa University has obtained 30 million birr support from Chain of Hope, a British Cardiac Research Institute, for the construction of an international standard Cardiac Research Institute. The agreement for the grant was signed between Addis Ababa University President, Professor Andreas Eshete, and Chain of Hope President, Sir Magdi Yacoub.
Professor Andreas said on the occasion construction of an international standard institute that helps conduct research on the heart will make the university a research and referral institute. Upon going operational, the institute will not only meet the high demand of medical treatment at home but also promotes health service in Africa and contributes to international health excellence, he indicated.
Professor Magdi Jacob said on his part Chain of Hope will assist the Child Heart Fund of Ethiopia with human resource, training and equipment. The British Cardiac Research Institute is pleased to make financial support to the construction of this institute which would conduct research to assist the fight against heart disease claiming the life of many Ethiopian children, he added. (WIC)

Adama town building condos with ETB 240 mln

Some 1,645 condominium houses are under construction in Adama town with a view to sustainable solving housing problem, Mayor of the town disclosed. In his report to the Development Advisory Council of the town, Mayor Sisay Negash said the condos are expected to get finalized around the middle of 2009.
He further revealed that the construction of 1,500 additional condos would begin this fiscal year. More than 240.5 million birr has been allocated to both the outstanding and the new construction projects. (WIC)
NGOs undertaking over 233 million Birr projects
Some 26 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in North Gondar Zone, Amhara State have been undertaking development projects at a cost of over 233 million Birr, zonal food security coordination and disaster prevention office said.
Office representative, Adebabay Tsegaw told ENA on Wednesday that the NGOs have been undertaking 40 various projects.
The representative said most of the projects focus on agriculture, health, education and the prevention of HIV/AIDS, among others.
Adebabay said the NGOs are carrying out the projects as per the development plans designed by the government.
The NGOs, which are undertaking the projects include, among others, the Amhara Development Association, ActionAid - Ethiopia and Save the Children Norway.
The projects, which last up to five years, would give service to over 1.5 million people, the representative said. (ENA)