INA works with local lead partner Bole Bible Baptist Church (BBBC) to implement the Lemo-Ezha Integrated Development (LEID) Project in Ethiopia.
Operating in Ethiopia since the 1960s, BBBC focuses on community-based interventions in areas such as health, education, and economic development. Its work in rural and marginalised areas demonstrates how locally driven initiatives can respond effectively to complex challenges.
According to BBBC’s Executive Director, locally-led initiatives foster a deep sense of ownership: “When communities invest in building something themselves, they take pride and ensure its sustainability.”
By prioritising local participation, BBBC’s model ensures that infrastructure developed during the project, such as school classrooms, remains well-maintained and continues to benefit the community long after the project has finished.
During the 2023/24 financial year, Project LEID continued to have a profound effect on marginalised women and children, and their communities in the districts of Lemo and Ezha in Ethiopia.
Education:
30 teachers received training on inclusive classroom management techniques. 750 children received stationery materials and the renovation of primary and middle schools enhanced access to education. Life-skill manuals were developed to support teachers in delivering quality education, and students were actively involved in children’s parliaments, promoting civic engagement and leadership.
Health
Health centre workers received training in maternal and child health (MCH) services, including essential skills in neonatal care and managing child illnesses. Health Development Army members were trained to mobilise communities, encouraging them to seek medical care at health institutions. Additionally, pregnant, and lactating mothers received nutrition education, helping them to prepare iron-rich foods to combat malnutrition.
WASH:
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) are essential components of community health and well-being. WASH programs aim to provide clean water, improve sanitation facilities, and promote hygiene practices, particularly in schools and communities with limited access to these resources. By addressing WASH needs, these programs help reduce the spread of diseases and improves the overall quality of life for those living in underserved areas.
In Ethiopia, WASH interventions included the construction of 2 community water points and the extension of 2,500 meters of water pipes, providing access to clean water for hundreds of households. A total of 286 households received training on water source protection, ensuring the sustainability of these newly constructed facilities. Training was also provided to 13 water committee members, equipping them with the skills to manage rural water systems effectively.
Livelihoods:
A group of 10 self-help groups (SHGs) consisting of more than 170 women, received vocational training and financial support. The training focused on business development, saving and credit, basic bookkeeping, and leadership, and enabled participants to take part in income-generating activities. Each SHG also received approx. AUD 244 as initial capital to continue their saving and borrowing endeavours.