Lifting Villagers out of Poverty- Len Barson

Project Ethiopia - Improving health, education, & economic opportunities (project-ethiopia.org)

I am proud to serve as President of the Board of Project Ethiopia because it operates so effectively and efficiently.  We partner with rural communities in Dangla, Ethiopia, to create hope and opportunity through education, healthy homes, and economic resilience.

Project Ethiopia does not operate as a traditional non-profit, but rather uses a model where we work side-by-side and in full partnership with the communities we serve.  Projects are led by two brothers whose family has lived for generations in the area.  Because of our longstanding involvement in these communities, our projects benefit from a high degree of volunteer involvement.  Whenever possible, we buy materials directly from local merchants and businesses.  When needed, our funds are used to hire local workers to complete projects.

Our economic resilience program has two components.  The first is the creation of local Farmers Associations, which brings local farmers together to learn new ideas, address challenges, and share their collective knowledge.  The goal is to lift farmers out of poverty through the learning and skills gained from the Association by cost-effectively expanding their production and marketing of goods.  In addition, the Association increases the sustainability of rural crop lands by reducing harmful pesticide use and providing techniques to respond to drought or heavy raised caused by climate change.

Project Ethiopia also provides low-interest microloans to rural villagers who otherwise would not be able to access credit.  The interest rate for Project Ethiopia loans is 5%, compared to rates of 12 to 22% from lending institutions.  Loans of about $200 to $300 are repaid and the funds then used to provide new loans.  Microloans have been used to enhance honey and dairy production, buy lambs and goats for fattening to sell at festivals, and secure garden supplies to grow vegetables for sale at local markets.

Each donation to this page will be matched dollar for dollar by our Board of Directors Matching Fund until we reach our goal of $25,000. Please give whatever amount you can, and your support will be doubled!