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Community Projects

Empowering Communities & Transforming Lives

Livelihood & Food Security

"Improving Food Security Situation"

The Ethiopia Catholic Church Apostolic Vicariate of Nekemte Social and Development Commission's food security project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing food security by addressing availability, access, and utilization. Through modern agricultural practices and local food system development, we empower communities toward sustainable self-reliance.

Core Objectives

  • Enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable farming.
  • Strengthen local food systems and minimize post-harvest losses.
  • Improve access to nutritious food and healthy dietary practices.
  • Build community resilience to climate change and external shocks.

Target Beneficiaries

  • Smallholder farmers and local agricultural producers.
  • Vulnerable groups, including women, children, and marginalized households.
  • Local food enterprises, market systems, and cooperatives.
  • Partner government agencies and community-based organizations.

Key Project Activities

Agricultural Productivity Enhancement
Farmer training, climate-resilient crops, improved seeds/fertilizers, and demonstration farms.
Strengthening Local Food Systems
Support for farmers' cooperatives, credit/financial services access, storage facilities, and market linkages.
Improving Access to Nutritious Food
Nutrition education, community nutrition centers, diversified crops, and home/school garden initiatives.
Resilience & Climate Adaptation
Vulnerability assessments, climate-smart farming, early warning systems, and sustainable land management.
Impact & Sustainability

Through rigorous implementation, knowledge sharing, and advocacy, the project drives long-term agricultural growth, boosts household income, and empowers communities with sustainable practices that last for generations.


WASH Project

Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right and a matter of dignity and justice. Through our WASH initiatives, we strive to reduce waterborne illnesses, improve public health, and strengthen communities across the Vicariate.

"Every drop of clean water is a drop of hope."

Elderly Assistance

Designed to help elderly persons cope with physical, psychological, and economic challenges. With funding support from Wood Een Daad, we support 2,250 elderly individuals annually across the Vicariate with a monthly allowance of 400 ETB provided in cash and kind.


Safeguarding Policy

Grounded in the inherent dignity and rights of every human being, the Vicariate maintains a strict Zero-Tolerance Policy against human trafficking, sexual harassment, abuse, exploitation, and harm. Our comprehensive Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct guide all clergy, staff, volunteers, and visitors to maintain a safe, protective environment for children and vulnerable adults.

Gender & Development

For over sixty years, Catholic Caritas Ethiopia – Nekemte has worked to empower women and girls in Western Oromia. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, we address systemic barriers—such as limited access to finance, education, and decision-making—to advance gender equality, social inclusion, and rights protection.


Emergency Responses

Catholic Social Teaching
Rooted in Gospel values emphasizing dignity, solidarity, and universal service.
Neutrality & Impartiality
Aid delivery without discrimination based on race, religion, or ethnicity.
Pastoral Mission
Emergency response fully integrated as part of our pastoral witness and outreach.
Key Response Areas & Operational Approach
  • Conflict Displacement: Relief support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
  • Food & Health: Emergency food rations, medical care, and nutrition intervention.
  • WASH & Shelter: Clean water delivery, emergency shelters, and psychosocial aid.
  • Preparedness: Monitoring UN/OCHA and weather data for early warnings.
  • Rapid Response: Mobilizing clergy, lay volunteers, and Catholic network teams.
  • Resilience: Long-term agricultural and rehabilitation programming.

Children and Youth with Disabilities

Building Effective Network (BEN) Project (FY 2026) focuses on enhancing the well-being, inclusion, and self-reliance of children and youth with disabilities (aged 10–24) and their caregivers through comprehensive support in health, education, economic empowerment, and social protection.

180

Target Rights-Holders

111 / 69

Male / Female Target

4,387,190

Annual Budget (ETB)

10–24

Age Group (Years)
Thematic Area Key Focus & Interventions Physical Target
Health & Rehabilitation Medical treatment, assistive devices, surgical support, physiotherapy, nutrition, hygiene, healthcare facility accessibility, and health worker capacity building. 280
Education & Inclusion Learning materials, school accessibility retrofitting, resource centers, safeguarding, MHPSS, inclusive pedagogy, and assistive learning tools. 251
Economic Strengthening Business Development Services (BDS), vocational training, asset transfers, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), market and microfinance linkages, and job readiness. 180
Social Participation & Protection Life skills, self-advocacy, recreational peer groups, rights sensitization, media campaigns, referral networks, and safeguarding mechanisms. 127