The National Housing Symposium

The National Housing Symposium convened in Addis Ababa for two days brought together key stakeholders and practitioners in the housing sector to present research findings on various housing issues, discuss barriers in accessing adequate shelter and outline future partnerships for sustainable solutions.

Professor Beyene Petros, Policy Research Institute Director General delivered opening message as a gust of honor for the symposium, 'Let us seize this moment to forge partnerships, innovate solutions, and advocate for policies that will ensure every Ethiopian has access to dignified housing, thus laying the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable future. The housing landscape requires stakeholder engagement, and we believe that forums and consultative meetings such as the one we have gathered for here are critical to bringing about reform in the housing sector and enabling environment for appropriate housing policies in Ethiopia. '
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Housing is more than just a roof over our heads; it’s about creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels safe and accepted. we must recognize that the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of action. With strong political will, swift action, and unwavering commitment from governments, community leaders, civil society, and individuals, we can overcome the housing challenges facing Ethiopia. Let us use these two days to forge practical solutions and ensure a better future for our children and grandchildren-Yitna Tekalegne, Habitat for Humanity National Director and Representative to AU
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Habitat for Humanity Africa Policy and Advocacy Manager outlined Habitat for Humanity's recommendation to the government of Ethiopia, financial institutions, and donors to:
-Prioritize home as infrastructure for equitable human development.
-Ensure housing solutions are integrated and comprehensive to generate human development returns.
-Elevate the upgrading of informal settlements as a lever for international development and transformation.
-Prioritize knowledge and data on housing and its impacts by, about, and for informal settlement communities.
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We build strength, stability, and self reliance through shelter.

New Home, New Hope!

Through financial support from LG Electronics, Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia has been able to successfully complete the three-year project. The project intends to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable families, including Korean War Veterans, in Gulele and Yeka sub-cities of Addis Ababa through decent housing, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (WASH) facilities, capacity building and job opportunities.
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I can proudly speak this is my home.

Behailu Gebremickael, a son of Korean War Veteran, lived in the old house for 46 years. He is a guard at private firm; his income is not sufficient to lead his life. He used to live in old and deteriorated house with leaking roof, broken walls, and floor. He had no alternative income to renovate the old house or construct a new one. Thanks to LG Electronics support to realize ‘Life’s Good: Hope Village’ Housing and WASH Project, Bahailu and other families have just moved to houses. Bahailu speaks about the the difference a new home can make:
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Stand for Her Land Project (S4HL)

Habitat for Humanity Ethiopian launched the Stand for Her Land(S4HL) campaign in November 2022 and preparation work has been made since then to catalyze the movement across the country. Following the launch of the campaign Country Coalition was formed on January 31, 2023, in Addis Ababa with the participation of governments and non-governmental partners.
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Debre Berhan-Emproved Energy for homes

Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia provides improved energy saving stoves to families who have no alternatives for energy at household level in the town of Debere Berhan and neighbouring localities.
Etegegn Bekele is one of family heads who started to use improved stove. ‘’The new stove saves not only saves firewood but improves health condition,’’ Etagegn Bekele said.
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Not Just a toilet!

Genet Sherif is one of the mothers who are struggling to make a living for their families with meagre income in Addis Ababa, Lideta Sub City. She has two sons; one of them is daily laborer and the other do not have job. Genet and her family live in the area for 30 years.
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Addressing challenges female students face

In the informal settlements of the capital city Addis Ababa and adjacent towns, low-income families do not have proper sanitation facilities and face health and safety challenges. Laga Tafo-Laga Bari town is one of the towns located a few kilometers outside Addis Ababa in Oromia Regional State.
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