Top leadership of the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF) visited the Youth Self-Employment in Southern Ethiopia – the “YES” Project in the South Omo and Ari Zones. The high-level management team, including the Former First Lady of Ethiopia and CEO of the HRF H.E. Roman Tesfaye, Deputy CEO Dr. Sosina Hailemariam, accompanied by Chief of the Climate Smart Conservation & Eco-tourism Program and Co-Lead of the YES project, Dr. Alemayehu Assefa, Program Senior Officers and the YES project management team, engaged with project participants to witness effectiveness of the demand-driven special skills training initiatives at the target woredas.
The YES Project, implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, focuses on agro-processing, livestock production, and eco-tourism sectors. During the visit, the HRF team toured training locations in Gembela Kebele in Turmi Town Administration and Key Afer Town in Bennatsemay Woreda, observing hands-on activities in Aloe Vera soap production, small ruminant rearing and bee hive sub sectors.
Trainees demonstrated skills acquired through the demand driven training and expressed their gratitude for the practical training that prepares them for income-generating activities they will be engaging. The training is tailored to utilize local resources effectively, fostering descent and sustainable income.
In discussions with the participants, the HRF leadership reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with the key stakeholders of the project to support financial inclusion, market linkages, and ongoing technical assistance. The YES Project aims to enable work opportunities for 32,146 financially disadvantaged youth over three years, with a focus on inclusivity—70% young women, 5% persons with disabilities, and 15% internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. Targeted areas include Woredas of Hamer, Benna Tsemay, Salamago, Semen Ari, Debub Ari, and Jinka Town Administration.
The visit highlighted the positive impact of the YES Project on empowering youth and fostering sustainable economic development in the region.
