A Joyful Note First
First, I’d like to congratulate our Head of Fundraising and Marketing, Sittra, on her wedding this past weekend. Sittra and Nicholas, I wish you love, peace, and happiness as you begin this new chapter together. Sittra, thank you also for your tireless work on our fundraising efforts. We are lucky to have you.
Two and a Half Months in Ethiopia
I’ve just returned from two and a half months in Ethiopia, and I want to share what I accomplished for Wogahta while I was there.
Sadly, I couldn’t visit our beneficiaries in Tigray because of the ongoing war. However, I took a major step forward: we have begun establishing a Wogahta branch in Ethiopia. We have completed 90% of the application to register as a foreign civil society organization with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO). The only remaining step is the standard registration fee of $4,000 USD. Once we pay it, we will receive our certification.
A registered local branch will let us work directly in Ethiopia, build partnerships, and reach the women we serve more effectively than ever.
Four Partners Who Share Our Mission
Tsedey Wubanchi, Bleu Blanc Rouge Foundation (BBRF)
My conversation with Tsedey, head of BBRF, was truly inspiring. BBRF provides safety, stability, love, and empowerment to vulnerable young people by taking homeless children off the streets and giving them shelter and schooling. Some have graduated from college, while others have gone on to graduate school, including law and medical schools. Some have already returned to serve the organization themselves. I am deeply impressed by what Tsedey and her team have achieved.
Visit the Bleu Blanc Rouge Foundation
Dr. Semira Mohammed, Gate of Opportunities (GO)
Through a mutual friend, I was introduced to Dr. Semira, head of GO. GO works to reduce gender-based poverty in Ethiopia by expanding women’s and girls’ access to education, leadership, health services, and economic opportunity through skills training, livelihood support, and leadership platforms. GO has directly impacted 1,507 people and indirectly supported 5,633 more alongside its partners. Its mission is closely aligned with Wogahta’s, and Dr. Semira assured me that GO would be glad to work closely with us.
Shewit Enqebahir, Wogahta’s New Country Representative
I’m especially pleased to introduce Shewit, who has agreed to serve as Wogahta’s Country Representative in Ethiopia. A passionate disability advocate, Shewit played a leading role in bringing 15 disability organizations together under one umbrella: the Tigray Disability Organization Union (TDOU), which represents people with physical, sensory, intellectual, psychosocial, and other disabilities. He also brings extensive health care experience, with first and second degrees in health care education, and strong skills in community organizing and proposal writing. Shewit will lead our Ethiopia branch, and I have full confidence in his ability to help it grow and thrive.
Visit the Tigray Disability Organization Union
Selamawit Hadush, GOAL Ethiopia
Last, but certainly not least, is Selamawit, who has been supporting Wogahta for more than a year. She is an area manager at GOAL Ethiopia, a major international organization working in Ethiopia since the early 1980s. GOAL operates across 60 districts in regions including Afar, Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, South Ethiopia, and Tigray, as well as Addis Ababa and Hawassa, prioritizing communities affected by drought, conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks, flooding, and earthquakes. I am deeply grateful for everything Selamawit has done for Wogahta, and she has offered to support our local branch in every way she can.
Learn more about GOAL Ethiopia
A New Look for Wogahta.org
We’ve redesigned our website, and all our Amharic and Tigrigna videos and documentaries now include English subtitles, so more people than ever can hear these women’s stories in their own words.
How You Can Help This Giving Season
Help us cross the finish line. A gift toward our $4,000 registration fee will officially establish Wogahta in Ethiopia. Every contribution brings us closer.
Spread the word. Share our new website with friends, family, and coworkers on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Thank you for standing with the women of Tigray. Have a wonderful day!
— Elias