We are passionate about enabling humans to live life in safety and dignity, and our focus is on most vulnerable and neglected groups. Street dwellers, single mothers, unemployed youth, and elderly without a family or safety net – they are of our utmost concern and we are tailoring programs to meet needs of those in destitute situations to see them live life to the fullest. Income generating activities, dignified accommodation, access to healthcare and education through simple but innovative solutions is at our hearts and at the hands of our implementing partne
At Elnet Foundation we work with most vulnerable groups; those who are otherwise neglected by society – groups that are forgotten, mistreated and who do not live up their full potential. We care for humans, animals and the environment. We see ourselves as part of an integral system, in which one part cannot thrive while the other one is suffering. Our sectors of work are complementary to our socially responsible group of companies; whether it is providing affordable and safe transport for pregnant women to access health clinics; planting trees to fight pollution and climate change, or taking care of abandoned large animals, such as horses and donkeys, that are found on the streets of cities of Ethiopia.
LegeTafo lies in the outskirts of Addis. A fast growing city of it’s own, with the closeness to the capital city of Ethiopia, this has attracted many settlers from various parts of the country. LegeTafo has a major potential for industrial production with it’s wide space and natural resources. However, youth unemployment is a major bottleneck, and at Elnet Foundation we are working to tackle this through the establishment of four factories, focused on pottery and textile industry. The project is started in 2021 and has a lifespan of three years, and it will at the end of the project have seen 2,000 young people employed in the textile and garment industry, and in pottery and basketry making; for the textile trainees they will even become owners of the sewing machines. The total project budget is 33 million birr, to be funded by Elnet Foundation. The project is implemented by Gudina Tumsa Foundation, in close collaboration with the city mayor of LegeTafo and the city administration.
The Bishoftu Empowerment and Social Support project is a holistic and unique intervention designed to meet needs identified by key stakeholders, with the overall goal to contribute to intellectual, physical, social and moral development of vulnerable children and women in Bishoftu district. This will be done through economic empowerment of vulnerable women and youth; school feeding at one school with extremely vulnerable children of displaced backgrounds; the development of a child and women center for children that have been trafficked, abandoned and/or left for adoption and pregnant women without a safety net; it includes support to a youth center, and equipping leaders and families to be productive citizens. The project has a five-year timeframe starting end of 2021 and with a total budget of 75 million birr and will be implemented by Gudina Tumsa Foundation together with relevant stakeholders and government bodies.
The Small Scale Entrepreneur Startup Project is targeting 50 no- or low income takers in Addis Ababa to start businesses which can generate stable and secure means of income to support their life and their families. The specific objectives are to build the confidence of the beneficiaries to engage in their own businesses through providing various trainings; and to support the beneficiaries to start their businesses by providing in-kind support; and to improve access to credit for the beneficiaries to expand their businesses by forming a saving and credit group. The project has a lifespan of two years and will be implemented by Gudina Tumsa Foundation, starting in 2021 and with a total budget of 10.5 million birr.
When you think of shoe shiners, what comes to your mind? Perhaps the price you’d be willing to pay to get your shoes fancied up. Or the type of chair they can offer you while you take a five minute break on your way home or to work. But did you ever consider that shoe shining could be a profitable business which makes people to grow out of dire circumstances, and allowing them to arise well beyond their current status? In Elnet Foundation we want to raise the status of this much needed service provision; this profession that keeps thousands of people going and making ends meet. By contributing modern shoe shining stands, with mobile charger appliances, comfortable seating and shelter from rain, wind and other elements, we aim to increase the customer base and income stream for shoe shiners in Addis Ababa. This is not just a socially charitable initiative; this is a commercial way to tackle socio-economic issues and to enhance lives and the beauty of our city! We firmly believe that development in any nation can and should come from it’s own people. That’s why we promote innovative and commercial solutions that can offer long lasting change in the lives of the people and the society that we exist in. We are eager to keep you updated on this innovation journey. Stay updated by following us on social media and by contacting us through our website or email in case you want to know more.
We are proud to be a partner of the Swedish initiative Eezer, which is a ground breaking ambulatory service for rural parts of Africa, where road network and cars may not be available, but where motorcycles are found. Eezer is specifically developed for pregnant mothers that need to safely and comfortable access clinic for their maternal check-up, as well to go for delivery at a health facility. Through our donating partner ElAuto Engineering and Trading P.L.C. we are now planning for a commercial production of Eezer motorcycle ambulance both in Kenya and Ethiopia, and to provide this to selected regions in high need of this ambulance transport service.
When disasters strike, the first few days after the disaster are critical in providing life saving support, as well as means for people to uphold their dignity; whether through clothing, shelter and similar basic needs. In Elnet Foundation, we take pride in being the extended arm of our socially responsible group of companies. Wherever our companies are present, we will contribute to emergency response in a limited but initial fashion when disasters strike. This rainy season, as rains where heavy in parts of our location, a flash flood took place in Addis Ababa, which killed 8 people and displaced 14 families. Through our partner Gudina Tumsa Foundation we donated an amount to help the survivors to rebuild their lives and to secure safe accommodation during the initial phase after the flashfloods took place.
Elnet Foundation social work wing is designed to meet basic human needs of populations and places great value in providing support, assistance, and resources to families and communities in an attempt to alleviate suffering and helping others to improve the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. It aims at removing extreme poverty among various populations using Ultra-poor graduation approach.
Graduation approach combines support for immediate needs with longer-term investments in life skills and technical skills training, asset transfers, enterprise development, savings and planning for the future to transition ultra-poor families into sustainable livelihoods. By addressing both social and economic needs of families simultaneously; this program provides holistic support to participants as they climb the ladder of economic self-reliance into a sustainable future.
Sinta
yehu Getachew Merga is a dedicated finance professional with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Addis Ababa University, awarded in 2017. With over six years of experience as a Finance and Administration Officer at FH Ethiopia, a prominent international NGO operating in the Kembata Zone of southern Ethiopia, Sintayehu has a proven track record of managing financial operations in challenging environments.
His expertise is further supported by certifications in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from Addis Ababa University and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) from IPASS, showcasing his commitment to maintaining high standards of financial accountability and transparency.
Email: s.getachew@elnetfoundation.com
LinkedIn : http://www.linkedin.com/in/sintayehu-getachew-97b134146
Mr. Gonfa Balcha Robele serves as the General Manager of Succoth Trading PLC, the business wing of the Elnet Foundation. He holds a BSc in Physics from Addis Ababa University, a Master’s in Art Leadership from Vision International University, California, and an MBA from Rift Valley University. Mr. Gonfa has a diverse professional background, having taught Physics in high schools and preparatory schools for over 12 years, and served as a School Director for approximately four years.
In addition to his academic and teaching experience, Mr. Gonfa has held various leadership roles in Bishoftu City, including Head of Transport, Trade, and Industry, Head of the Bishoftu TVET Office, Deputy Mayor, and Director of Job Creation and Legality at the Oromia Bureau of Enterprise and Industry Development. His extensive experience in public administration and leadership has led to numerous achievements, many of which were scaled up across Oromia.
Mr. Gonfa is particularly skilled in entrepreneurship and business development, known for generating innovative ideas to establish new business ventures. His leadership has consistently driven exemplary results, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the communities he serves.
Email: g.balcha@elnetfoundation.com
Animal Welfare Coordinator
Dr. Getnet Fekadu Demissie is a Veterinary Epidemiologist and a professional in Sustainable Management of Resources and Cultural Heritage. He is deeply passionate about animal welfare and sustainability, with a particular concern for the poor conditions of working equids and the unsustainable use of resources in Ethiopia. He holds an MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology from Addis Ababa University and a specialized Master in Sustainable Management of Resources and Cultural Heritage from Politecnico di Milano, Italy. Getnet has over ten years of experience lecturing veterinary courses at public university and jointly working with NGOs in Ethiopia. He is also certified in GIS, R, and Project Management and Evaluation. Throughout his career, Getnet has led both local and international research projects for over a decade. Additionally, he has dedicated ten plus years for providing community service in Ethiopia.
Email : g.fekadu@elnetfoundation.com
Linkedin :
Office Assistant
Hawi Refisa Gerbiche holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Bahirdar University. She has extensive experience in regional government affairs, having served as a Manager at Heineken Ethiopia, where she excelled in building strong stakeholder relationships, effectively managing crises, and overseeing regulatory compliance.
Hawi also has experience in live streaming, having spent a year with OBN, where she coordinated live broadcasts and engaged with the audience in real time. Currently, she works as an Office Assistant at the Elnet Foundation, where she handles administrative tasks, supports project management, and assists in organizing events and meetings, contributing her skills and expertise to the foundation’s mission.
Email : h.refisa@elnetfoundation.com
Linkedin :
Social Work Coordinator
Dereje Tesema Koricho is a dedicated educator and manager from Ethiopia with over two decades of experience in the field of education. He holds an MA in Leadership and Governance from the Ethiopian Civil Service University and a BA in Educational Planning and Management from Haramaya University.
Dereje’s career includes roles such as primary school teacher, principal, supervisor, educational inspector, and community outreach coordinator. Currently, he serves as the Social Work Coordinator at the Elnet Foundation. He is recognized for his effective supervision and community mobilization efforts, having worked as a Community Outreach Officer for the READCO project, undertaken by Save the Children in the Fitche area, from November 2017 to March 2019. He also held the same position with ANFEAE on the READCO project from August 2016 to September 2017.
Dereje’s deep understanding and commitment to students and families have significantly improved literacy rates and addressed educational challenges in his community. He is a passionate supporter of creating a fuller life for all through education and community support.
Environmental Welfare Coordinator
Tefera Elias Regea has master degree in project management from lead star university, bachelor degree in physics and additional bachelor of Arts in Theology from Mekane Yesus Seminary. He has been teaching and working as lab assistant in physics laboratory in different school for over 10 years. He has voluntarily work in Epaphra Relief association organizing events and activities cleaning city roads, planting trees and creating awareness on environmental pollution. He is passionate about sustainability, climate change, or clean air and water and to spot negative environmental impacts and work to minimize them and creating greener safer environment for human and animals.
Linkedin : tefera-elias-493604248
Social Work Coordinator
Jalal Ameyu Kejela has a BTH in theology from Leadstar Theological College, Ethiopia. He works in partnership with Diakonia, a church based organization born out of Biftu Bole Congregation church where he is involved in supporting most vulnerable people with clothes, feeding, medical care and meeting other basic needs. He is not hesitant to go out at night in Addis Ababa to pray with, comforting and advising drug addicts and street children. He is passionate about changing the lives of street children and helping the underprivileged.
Regional Program Director
Dr. Rahel Jigi Kitessa has Ph.D. in Economics from Tilburg University, the Netherlands. Rahel is passionate about the environment and uplifting the vulnerable. She was affiliated to Tilburg Sustainability Center and was a member of Tilburg Behavioral and Experimental Economics group. As an assistant professor, she has lectured at different universities including ECSU for more than nine years, sits on a number of related boards and meetings. She has worked on development issues with main focus on environmental conservation, green development and community participation in the development and environmental conservation agendas (with World Bank). In addition to the above mentioned subjects, her research covers different themes such as gender empowerment (with UN Women), impact assessments of developmental projects (UN Women, ICBA) and tax policy related matters.
Email: r.jigi@elnetfoundation.com
Linkedin: rahel-jigi-kitessa-992118125
CEO/President
Jessica E. Hedman with her husband Tokkicha A. Ketema is the founder of Elnet Foundation. She has a master’s degree from Örebro University, Sweden in political science and has a rich experience in organizational development, strategy and policy development, strategic planning and team building, partner and donor networking and mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues. She has led and supported humanitarian response in countries across Africa, Asia and Middle East and is well familiar with development programming in complex contexts. She is a firm believer that we can contribute to positive change and impact in peoples and communities when we work with local actors that knows the local context – be it local entrepreneurs, local NGOs and local government bodies – and combining our development work with lobby and advocacy towards key stakeholders.
Email : j.hedman@elnetfoundation.com
Linkedin : jessica-hedman-96319735
Finance & Human Resource Director
Sima Gudeta Abdissa is an Accountant by Profession. He has MSc in Accounting & Finance from Addis Ababa University. He has been lecturing different Accounting & Finance related courses at different public Universities and at Mekane Yesus Management & Leadership College for over 10 years. He has TOT certificate from Accounting & Auditing Board of Ethiopia (AABE) on International Financial Reporting standards (IFRS) and International Public sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). He has worked as Chief Finance office for local NGO’s for more than 3 years and has developed different financial and HR related policy manual for different organization.
Email : s.gudeta@elnetfoundation.com
Linkedin : sima-gudeta-abdissa-19a70a68
Office Manager & Executive Assistant
Bereket Mulatu Negusie has worked as a legal researcher in the Federal Supreme Court and thought at school for several years. She is currently an LLM Candidate in Public International Law at AAU and has MSc in Project Planning and Management from YOM Institution of Economic Development in collaboration with Debremarkos University.
She is passionate about helping human kind to have better lives with economic empowerment and greener and safer environment and is passionate about seeing positive impact in the lives of children and women.
Email : b.mulatu@elnetfoundation.com
Linkedin : bereket-mulatu-a3014486
Animal Welfare Coordinator
Dr. Yimesgen Tarekegn Abeka has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Jimma University. He is the founder of Beyond Student for Change, an initiative stated in 2014 G.C that aims to empower the young generation to fulfill their dreams in the livestock sector. He is leading ‘The Blue Vet’ social media platform, which is one of the portfolios of Beyond Student for Change initiative. (Vet Sustain, GARC). He is actively taking part and developing veterinary journalism in Ethiopia with interests in One Health and Animal Welfare. Dr. Yimesgen also supports Ethiopia’s Livestock sector to be promoted on international level (The Blue Vet). He is dedicated and committed to bring change in the practices of animal welfare and health in Ethiopia.
Email : y.tarekegn@elnetfoundation.com
Linkedin : yimesgen-tarekegn-dvm-974245135
