KELEM Ethiopia, established in 2003, is a national civil society organization dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals and communities across the country. Over the past two decades, KELEM has effectively enhanced the lives of hundreds of thousands through initiatives focused on quality education, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); health services; livelihood support; emergency responses; and youth empowerment programs. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, the organization maintains regional program coordination offices nationwide and operates the Job Oriented Youth Skills (JOYS) training center in Kombolcha City. Supported by a dedicated team of 172 staff members, including 85 women, KELEM remains steadfast in its mission to foster sustainable development and empower citizens.
For over two decades, Kelem has championed education, improving access and quality across the Afar, Amhara, and Oromia regions. Our initiatives have benefited thousands, established 68 schools, and trained teachers while organizing women’s literacy programs that transform lives. Currently, we are launching a €787,042 project in Kombolcha and Kalu to further enhance educational outcomes for 35,685 beneficiaries.
Together, we are shaping a brighter future.
Kelem is committed to enhancing health standards through the integration of comprehensive programs. Our recent initiative involved importing four containers of high-quality medical equipment to Kombolcha Hospital and other facilities, significantly improving service delivery by facilitating surgeries, launching a vaccination project, and enhancing medical record-keeping through the provision of computers. These efforts are vital in ensuring accessible and effective health care for all.
In response to ongoing crises, Kelem has implemented vital emergency response projects in Afar and Amhara. Our initiatives include food aid, seed distribution, WASH efforts, and multi-purpose cash assistance, benefiting over 60,350 individuals.
Together, we are committed to saving lives and rebuilding resilience.
Kelem is dedicated to empowering youth, addressing challenges such as lack of skill training and employment opportunities. Our newly established JOYS training center in Kombolcha is transforming lives by providing market-oriented vocational training. Over 1,000 vulnerable youth have gained employable skills, leading to sustainable livelihoods.
Together, creating a brighter future for the youth.
In Ethiopia, where poverty remains deeply rooted, effective livelihood interventions are crucial. Kelem’s initiatives aim to uplift poor rural and urban households through livestock restocking, small-scale irrigation, and the establishment of high-value fruit seedling centers. These projects have significantly improved economic and social conditions, enhancing the lives of many families. Continued support for such impactful initiatives is vital for fostering sustainable change.
The environmental crisis poses unprecedented risks to our planet and future generations. Kelem is committed to addressing this challenge through innovative projects in six cities of Amhara. By empowering vulnerable youth with skills and resources for plastic waste collection and recycling, we aim to create sustainable employment and foster community awareness.
Together, we can make a difference!
Building local capacity is crucial for sustainable change. Kelem’s long-standing programs empower institutions and individuals through targeted training and resources. From enhancing education and health services to improving waste management, we’re fostering growth and quality across communities.
Together, we are fostering a sustainable future.
Water is essential for life. As the saying goes, “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” Kelem is addressing the significant WASH gap by implementing projects across the country. We’ve constructed over 24 hand-dug wells, 50 gender-segregated latrines, and trained over 120 community members. Our efforts have provided access to potable water for over 120,000 individuals, significantly improving their quality of life.
Kelem Ethiopia is embarking on an income-generating initiative aimed at enhancing its capacity through the establishment of a comprehensive school spanning from kindergarten to 12th grade. This endeavor seeks not only to provide quality education to the community but also to create a sustainable financial model that reduces dependency on external funding sources. By cultivating self-sufficiency, Kelem Ethiopia aims to foster long-term development while empowering individuals through education and skill-building opportunities.
Kelem aspires to see all Ethiopians educated, empowered, and participating in and benefiting from the national development.
To support the development endeavors and equitable service provision of the people of Ethiopia in general and disadvantaged communities in particular in the areas of education, health, livelihood, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), emergency humanitarian responses, and other related activities by mobilizing resources from the community, donors, and other income-generating sources.
The core values of Kelem are:
Commitment: Serving society with unwavering diligence, even in challenging or harsh situations.
Quality: Delivering standardized services to beneficiaries.
Transparency: Conducting all activities in accordance with the organization’s, government’s, and donors’ rules and regulations to ensure transparency and accountability.
Efficiency: Achieving the organization’s goals and objectives at the lowest possible cost without compromising quality.
Flexibility :- Innovation, and Creativity: Employing creative approaches and techniques during project implementation.
Partnership: Collaborating closely with beneficiaries, government, donors, and other stakeholders.
Impartiality: Kelem upholds the principle of equal opportunity, ensuring no discrimination based on gender, disability status, race, religion, or any other differences.