Haramaya University has provided various business start-up materials to disabilities associations in East Hararge Zone, Kurfa Chele Woreda, on December 21, 2021.
Dr. Yesihak Yusuf, Vice President for Community Services and Enterprise Development, said the university is currently providing trainings, advice and other important support to those who are struggling to overcome poverty in the woredas of East harerghe zone. As a result, the University purchased basic shop goods such as refrigerators used for trading purpose and provided them to the disabilities in Kurfa Chele Woreda.
According to Dr. Yesihak, in addition to the material support provided to the disabilities, the university will continues to follow up and support them and it calls the entire community to provide them with the necessary support.
Mr. Bedasa Abdurahman, Kurfa Chele Woreda Administrator, in his part, said people with disabilities are still working in various associations, but there is a need for an entity to help them alleviate their problems. With this in mind, Haramaya University has supported them in response to the development request by the woreda administration. He further said that the woreda will work with Haramaya University and other institutions to enable disabilities to participate in and benefit from the ongoing development activities.
Mr. Ahmed Yuya, a resident of Kurfa Chele Woreda and father of three children said that he is very happy for the support of Haramaya University; they have been living a life of hardship so far by making ropes for sale, but now Mr. Ahmed has a hope to improve their lives as Haramaya University has seen their problems and supported them.
Ms. Nesima Abdalla, in her turn, said that she had suffered from multiple sclerosis in the past because of her disability but now she hopes that she will not only have steady income with the support of Haramaya University but also thinks to help others.
After handing over the support, Haramaya University representatives and the woreda government officials discussed infrastructure related issues that can be addressed by the University through research.
By: Aweke Ayalneh
Photograph: Tewodros Lishan