QFFD, QRCS Sign Agreement to Help Vulnerable Communities in Ethiopia

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch a multi-sectoral intervention program for the most vulnerable communities in Ethiopia.

The program is to be done through providing shelter, water, sanitation, and livelihood support with a budget of QR 11 million. The agreement was signed by Misfer Al-Shahwani, Director of Development Projects at QFFD, and Ali Hassan Al-Hammadi, Secretary-General of QRCS, in the presence of a group of officials from both sides.

During the signing ceremony, Mr. Al-Shahwani stated, “This grant from QFFD will help alleviate the suffering of the underserved communities in Ethiopia, amid too severe conditions and drought”.

“This agreement falls under the humanitarian response plan that was prepared by QFFD in 2017, noting that QFFD is proud of this partnership with QRCS to provide relief to the Ethiopian people ” said Mr. Al-Shahwani.

He added that it is part of the State of Qatar’s humanitarian strategy to mitigate the suffering of humanity and falls under the humanitarian response plan adopted by QFFD for 2017.

Mr. Al-Hammadi, said, “I would like to thank QFFD for this generous support to QRCS’s imminent relief response to the drastic situation in Ethiopia, by meeting the basic needs of victims in a way that preserves their dignity”.

He commended the strategic partnership with QFFD, which reflects the approach of Qatar leaders towards helping the vulnerable and the distressed, particularly in Arab countries like Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Libya. “Thanks to QRCS that plays a pivotal role in supporting the state of Qatar’s humanitarian policy locally and internationally,” he noted.

Under the 24-month MoU, a series of shelter, water and sanitation, and livelihood projects will be implemented with a total budget of $3 million (nearly QR 11 million). These activities are estimated to help 8,900 families (62,300 people) in refugee camps of Oromia and Gamela, as well as 436,000 indirect beneficiaries.

The intervention programme to be implemented by QRCS personnel in Ethiopia comprises the following aspects:

Shelter: This involves the construction of standard improved shelter for 2,400 families of about 16,800 persons at a cost of US $ 1,674,086.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): This involves the construction of household latrines and deep-water wells as well as the provision of dignity kit for women and girls (3,000 families of 21,000 persons) at a cost of US $ 980,299.

Food Security and Livelihood: This involves purchase and provision of breeding sheep, animal feed, and veterinary drugs for refugees and host communities; facilitation of recurring cash subsidies for poor women to purchase Boran cattle; and construction of community-based flood diversion infrastructure, spate irrigation systems, and Haffir dam. The total cost of these activities is US $ 345,614 for 3,500 families totalling 24,500 persons.

Capacity Building and Awareness Raising: This involves WASH education and training, community outreach teams, and awareness raising materials.​