What ilanga does

Together with the Office for Women and Children Affairs, ilanga selects the women for the approximately nine-month programme according to various criteria. The training sessions on topics such as dealing with stress and trauma, hygiene, nutrition, parenting, but also life skills and business topics prepare the mothers for the next step: They can use the seed money to set up a small livelihood that enables them to support themselves and their children. Those who do not want to set up a microbusiness are prepared for vocational training. At the end of the cycle, the mothers can take part in exchange groups with other alumni. In these groups, they manage their money and support each other with their different experiences.

In order for the single mothers to be able to take part in ilanga's training courses, complete vocational training or run a micro-business, they need to ensure that their children are well looked after. In ilanga's day care, the team looks after children up to the age of four using the Montessori approach. They receive a warm meal, celebrate birthdays or holidays, sing and play together. This contributes significantly to their healthy development.

As soon as the children go to school, they can do their homework at ilanga after school, have a snack and socialise with their friends. The carers help with homework, organise competitions and also provide a small library. Children whose mothers are not in the ilanga programme also have the opportunity to take part in after-school care. This is by arrangement with the school and ilanga.

After-school care also aims to support children in their school careers and create the best possible conditions for them. To this end, activities are organised during the school holidays, for example.

The ilanga team is also supported by volunteers.

More than 3,000 medical facilities were destroyed in the armed conflict in northern Ethiopia (2020–2022). Medicines, consumables and medical equipment were destroyed or stolen. As a result, up to 5 million people are suffering from inadequate or no medical care, especially children and women.

ilanga's aim with this sub-project is to help rebuild the healthcare facilities destroyed by the war. Restore Hope was able to procure medical equipment and materials and deliver them directly to Kobo Hospital in the north of Ethiopia. Although some equipment is still needed, Kobo Hospital was able to resume operations at the beginning of 2023.

Restore Hope

On the trips that ilanga organises, these sustainable projects, local initiatives and also schools, orphanages and hospitals are visited. In this way, ilanga aims to make a further contribution to these institutions and thus to the people of Ethiopia. With the trips you support ilanga directly with one percent of the travel costs.