In Our Ethiopia Office…
- We experienced a 6% increase in the number of orphans and vulnerable children enrolled in our programs (from 274 to 290), reflecting our expanding reach and the growing need for assistance in the communities we serve.
- Our microloan budget grew by 160%, enabling us to provide more extensive financial assistance to widows and vulnerable families. The microloan size also doubled, increasing by 100%, thus empowering more individuals to start or expand their small businesses and achieve financial independence.
- The demand for our basic business courses surged, leading to a doubling of both the number of trainees and training sessions conducted this year. This initiative equips participants with essential skills to thrive in the marketplace.
- Our sewing program saw remarkable developments, with the number of sewing machines doubling and the number of trainees increasing by an astounding 200%. This program not only provides vocational skills but also fosters entrepreneurship among women in our communities.
- Life Center Ethiopia has established a new communication department at the head office in Ethiopia, assigned a dynamic professional journalist to enhance our visibility and outreach efforts. This strategic move has significantly allowed us to share Life Center’s success stories and impact more effectively.
Child Enrichment Program…
- This year, we aim to support orphaned children struggling with Mathematics, Physics, and English subjects through a targeted tutorial program. The initiative assisted 80 students from grades 7 to 12, held three days a week, with daily snacks.
- The team facilitated a one-day experience sharing and sexual purity session with 50 selected teen girls among the Life Center. There were also comedians invited through Dagu Media Communications, and they advised the teen girls to be strong and to stay pure. The opportunity made the girls very happy.
- We distributed 52 sponsor’s gifts and letters to our kids.
- A training was provided during the summer season for 60 selected parents. They were trained on effective communication, empathy and consistency.
- The 2024 youth retreat continued from the previous year’s event. It was attended by 65 selected children, ‘Greater forgiveness for freedom’ was the central theme of the program.
- Ninety kids participated in the Annual Charity Football Tournament.
- The basic life skills training was delivered during the summertime for 50 orphans.
- Orphans also participated in basic tailoring training, to strengthen their vocational skills, ensuring their holistic growth and better opportunities for the future.
- The children, who were facing different challenges, came to Life Center’s community center to share their problems and express their feelings. We are able to advise counselling and a prayer to the kids and to their caregivers.
- In 2024, three orphans from the Life Center OVC program successfully joined higher education/university, four orphans joined college education program, and two joined technical and vocational training centers.
- A local charity organization called ELIZER Association visited Life Center and made a generous donation, and they provided clothes to 30 of our children and they organized and sponsored lunch for 80 children.
- Ten students supported by Life Center have officially launched their T-shirt printing business. They gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience through a 15-day practical training session with Truman. They showed their first printings, and the government provided them with two small shops.
Microloan Services at Addis Ababa and Meki:
- The microloan program reached 657 loans, from the beginning to the end of December 2024. These loans were granted in five areas (Sites) Kirkos S C, Kirkos S C Woreda 11, Lafto S C, Lideta S C, and Meki town.
- The number of active loans as of December 2024 is 463. We have had 193 paid-off clients since we started the TOLI program in Ethiopia.
- In this physical Year, 338 new loans were granted. The number indicates entrepreneurs either created new businesses or expanded their existing ones.
- The Budget allocated and purchased items for clients’ business projects in 2024 amounted to $65,416.00 compared to the last year/2023 it is increased by 160%.
- Thirty-nine brand business created and expanded in 2024.
- In 2024 fourth quarter we added one new site from Kirkos Sub City in Addis Ababa known as woreda 11 (sub city) buy the donation of Life Center Ethiopia.
- Follow-up, coaching, and visiting clients have been done. For all active clients visiting their businesses, home and coaching them on how to grow their business and development has been done including discussions on their personal and spiritual lives.
- TOLI-US team visited Ethiopia. The team had time to visit the client’s business and home and organized a one-day experience-sharing program about the client’s challenges, and how they overcome their obstacles at Ethiopia Hotel in Addis Ababa. They also had time to discuss Life Center’s programs with the Staff.
- Life Center in partnership with TOLI, hosted a one-day workshop for widows running small businesses. The workshop theme, ‘’VICTORY’, aimed to inspire and empower participants through testimonies from the TOLI team including the founder of TOLI, Emad Yassa; and the founder and director of Life Center, Mulu.
- The following were major challenges faced our microloan service delivery at Addis Ababa and Meki in 2024
- Internal displacement in Addis Ababa.
- Devaluation of Ethiopian birr following the new macro economy policy.
- Few clients are not able to repay their loans.
- High number of pre-registered potential clients and limited financial resources to address these loan demands.
Sewing Skills & Handcraft for Selected Women and Children
- In 2024, the Life Center Sewing Department faithfully advanced its mission of empowering widows and vulnerable children, guided by Christian values of love, compassion, and service.
- Through training in sewing, handcraft, embroidery, and quilting, the program has equipped participants with vital skills while offering a sanctuary for emotional and spiritual healing.
- The department embodies the biblical principle of sharing love and bearing one another’s burdens, transforming lives through Christ-centered care and empowerment.
- This year, the department successfully produced a range of high-quality items, including:
- Bags and door mats
- Warm clothing and shawls
- Children’s and adults’ garments
- Scarves and hats
