Projects in Ethiopia and the United States in Seattle

 Ethiopia - Oromia Projects

Schools - Access for Success's economic development programs in the Maliyou Burka region of Oromia in rural Ethiopia for several years have involved:

• School building renovation and classroom expansion 
• Construction of desk and chairs
• Provision of books for the library and school supplies

There is now much hope for the future in the eyes of this young Ethiopian woman.

The Education of Women The education and inclusion of Ethiopian women in the public education process is part of a changing rural Ethiopia, and is key to economic development.  Access for Success, working closely in strategic partnership with Cultural Reconnection, a Seattle-based organization of African-American women in education and in business has been instrumental in opening doors important for economic development through micro-lending and women-operated cooperatives.

Childcare Centers - Provision of childcare centers goes hand in hand with economic development of entire families. Access for Success and Cultural Reconnection are  initiatives therefore involve:

• Development of childcare centers
• Development of a childcare curriculum
• Maintainance of staffing and operations
• Provision of nutritional resources - Food, etc.
  

Healthcare Centers - Public health is critical for the region. Access for Success is also involved in helping to:

• Build health care centers
• Staff health care centers
• Equip health care centers
• Deliver basic health services
  

Oromia Water & Sanitation Project - Working in partnership with the government, Access for Success in Ethiopia is:

• Making safe drinking water available
• Developing new water resources for villagers - wells, springs
• Providing water for toilets
• Developing new water resources for irrigation
• Development new strategies for the management of sewage
  

Agricultural Development

• Improving farm productivity
• Crop rotation for marketing
• Diversification of crop (root crops, fruits, vegetable)
• Improving productivity of cattle
• Development of irrigation
• Sustainable, ecological farming
• Reforestation and natural resource management
• Development of integrated agro-forestry policy and practices
• Development of alternative, energy-saving practice related to agriculture and family life
  

 United States - Seattle Projects

Youth Projects - Access for Success's economic development programs in the U.S. focus on youth as the hope for the future. We are involved in the following programs and initiatives:

• After-School programs
• Team sports programs such as soccer and volleyball
• Youth Mentoring programs

Soccer is an important cultural tradition and a great way to build community. Members of Access for Success have coached teams, raised money, helped sponsor trips to national soccer events, and been involved in many other ways.

Small Business Development Projects - Access for Success is also involved in developing business in the following areas:

• Start-up Business Services
• Established Business Services
• Business Counseling & Referral Services

Community Service Projects - Access for Success is also involved in the following community service projects:

• Adult Education Program
• Citizenship Classes and Immigration Paperwork
• Cultural Orientation & Classes

A Personal Message from Mohammed Webo
a Community Volunteer from Oromia, Ethiopia.