WeSMCO's General Assembly meeting held:
WeSMCO’s annual general assembly meeting held for 11 times on February 14, 2009 at WeSMCO head quarter meeting hall. After the welcoming remark, Ato Eshetu, the Director General of WeSMCO, leave the floor to the chair person of the meeting, Dr. Shiferaw Taye. Presenting the agenda and schedule of the meeting, Dr. Shiferaw called upon the guest of honor W/o Belayinesh Teklay, head of Finance and Economic Bureau of Addis Ababa City Government to deliver opening speech.

W/o Belaynesh congratulated WeSMCO for its remarkable achievements by sighting some major accomplishments and urged the assembly to put clear directions for the future development endeavors plan of the organization. Following this, Roman’s Girls presented a song that depicts their future dream and opportunity they got. Then Ato Kebede Kejela, chair person of the board, has presented the board’s one year accomplishment report.   

After brief accomplishment report of the board, Ato Eshetu Mengistu, WeSMCO's Director General has presented the organization’s annual progress report. See the detail of the report. Audit report is also presented by an external consulting firm called Membere Luel & Co. Charted Certified Accountant (UK).The participants discussed on the reports in depth and endorse the report. In connection to the next year annual plan presentation, the issue of new legislation was raised and hot discussion was made on it. The assembly gave especial responsibility to follow the prevailing situation concerning the legislation and call for ad hoc meeting to decide on the fate of the organization.
The assembly believed on the motion presented by the board for the need of increasing the number of board members from five to ten and elected three additional board member; one to replace Ato Kebede Kejela whose term is completed and two additional members. Two beneficiaries composed and present poem that depict their situation. Finally, 16 beneficiary children from HIV/AIDS care and support and sponsorship program are awarded for scoring excellent result in the past academic year.

High Officials of US and Ethiopia Visited WeSMCO Project
Us secretary of Health and Human Service, Michael Leavitt and Minister of Health Dr. Tewdros Adhanom visited WeSMCO’s urban agriculture project site found in Arada Sub City, Addis Ababa on August 11, 2008.
After visiting the site Leavitt held discussion with the beneficiaries concerning their activities and benefit they have got from the garden and encouraged them.

The urban agriculture project of WeSMCO is aimed at providing nutritional garden to the HIV/AIDS infected and affected families and funded by USAID through DAI/ECI Africa since 2004. The project benefited more than 1080 women and OVC out of which 325 are cultivating vegetable on the visited site called Gordome communal garden.

Small Demonstration Dam Inaugurated
With the aim of sustaining the massive reforestation efforts in Ethiopia, WeSMCO and Addis Ababa Environmental Protection Authority colorfully inaugurated small demonstrational dam constructed at the Millennium Park on August 10, 2008 here in Addis Ababa.
According to Ato Tekle W/Gerima, Addis Ababa Environmental Protection Authority Deputy General Manager, the constructed dam has the capacity of holding 600m3 water harvested from the rain during wet season and is expected to water indigenous tree planted on 158 hectares of land at the Millennium Park. In addition to the financial and technical assistance of WeSMCO and German Ethiopian Association, the Authority has contributed labor, skilled manpower and construction materials estimated to two hundred thousand birr.
Mr. Michael Renka, German Ethiopian Association Chair Man, mentioning the multifunction of Gabion in the construction technology and environmental protection, he wants to replicate the project in the entire country. He added that WeSMCO is the only organization producing heavy duty 5mm diameter Gabion in Ethiopia and enabling the organization to create employment opportunity for the street youth besides producing environmentally sound material.
In his speech, Ato Eshetu Mengistu, Director General of WeSMCO highlighted the determination of WeSMCO toward sustaining the massive reforestation efforts in the country.
Ato Tewodros Zewdie, Addis Ababa Millennium Secretariat Deputy Director, said, the environmental protection issue is the global issue which we all need to address the problem and urge all to participate in the plan of planting trees for sustainable environmental development.

TOT for WeSMCO Staff and Local GO
Following the board members training, WeSMCO staff and local government representative from Arada sub city, 01/02 Kebele and women affairs received training of trainers (TOT) by the Canadian expert, Mr. Lorne Braun on 23 June – 04 July, 2008 at WeSMCO resource center.
The training covers topics on Right Based Approach, Project cycle and result based management, conflict transformation, Strategic Planning and gender based programming. The trainers expected to provide training to the local people in order to promote human rights of women in Benishangul Gumuz National Regional State, Bullen and Dibate Woredas (District) and Addis Ababa, Arada sub city 01/02 Kebeles.
As suggested by the participants of the training, the training enhanced their knowledge on the matter and believed to contribute to the project aim- further the awareness of gender equality and good governance in order to promote women’s rights and thus contribute to MDG3 and plan for Accelerated and Sustainable Development t Eradicate Poverty (PASDEP).
The CETAA capacity building project has the objectives of increasing capacity of selected community members to promote human rights of women and gender equality as well as increasing capacity to government officials to use rights-based programming in providing services complying with human rights and gender equality in addition to building capacity of WeSMCO board members and staff.

Capacity Building Training for WeSMCO Board Members
Under the Capacity Building project of Canadian Education and Training Awards Africa (CETAA) and Welfare for the Street Mother and Children Organization (WeSMCO) board members of WeSMCO received capacity building training by Canadian expert on 17 - 21 June, 2008 at WeSMCO resource center.
The training covers topics on Right Based Approach, result based management, strategic planning and role of board members in the NGO leadership and their responsibilities. The training is expected to improve the roles and leadership quality of WeSMCO board members as well as right based programming and result based management.

WeSMCO signs a grant agreement with French Embassy
Welfare for the street mother and Children Organization (WeSMCO) has signed a grant assistant agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the French Government, French Embassy in Ethiopia in order to secure Birr 503,715.20 for the implementation of project – “Integrated Solid Waste Recycling and Environmental Management” on June 12, 2008 at the French Embassy.
The project is aimed at improving the livelihood and living condition of target beneficiary through solid waste recycling and environmental management within one year. The assistance is made within the framework of the orientations of the policy of the French Government and the regulations in force, wishes to strengthen its relationships with stakeholders acting towards development.
50 women will be directly benefited from the income generating opportunities of the project while more than 650 people are expected to use the sanitation facilities per day.

Expansion of Bullen School Project is Under Way
A team comprises of Japan Embassy Program Officer, Yuko Murakami and Director General of WeSMCO, Ato Eshetu Mengistu visited the expansion of Bullen primary school project site funded by Japan Embassy on June 07 -09, 2008.
According to the team, the implementation of the project is under way as per the plan and will be expected to be completed and ready for the students in the coming September.

Child and Youth Therapeutic Treatment Center of BOLSA Staff Received Training
WeSMCO in collaboration with Italian Center for Children Aid Addis Ababa (CIAI) Conducted five days capacity building training for the staffs’ of Child and Youth Therapeutic Treatment Center of Bureau of Labour and Social Affairs of Addis Ababa (BOLSA) here at WeSMCO meeting hall on June 02-06, 2008.
The training is aimed at building the capacity of the staff based on the gap assessed and believed will help them for better handling of delinquent children and youth coming to the center for behavioral change. The training covers topics such as Adolescent Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS, Drug Abuse, Communication, Child Rights and Peer Education.

HIV/AIDS infected and affected women and orphans to engage in poultry
Under the urban agriculture program, WeSMCO distributed 504 chickens, 6300kg feed and 63 chicken houses for 63 HIV/AIDS infected and affected women and orphans selected from Gordome vegetable growing association donated by USAID through ECA/DAI Africa on April 08, 2008 at its head office compound.

According to Sr. Ayalnesh Belihu, WeSMCO HIV/AIDS program coordinator, the beneficiariess were selected by a committee formed from the representatives of Arada ‘Idir’ council (community based organization), Arada Youth and Women Associations, WeSMCO staff and Gordome vegetable growing association. Further more, she said, 38 orphans as well as 25 women, who have shown good performance on the vegetable growing and are HIV positive were given priority in this first round and each one of them received 8 chickens (6 female & 2 male chickens), 60 kg feed and one chicken house . Gradually, all vegetable growing HIV/AIDS infected and affected women and orphan headed family will engage in poultry production and other business depending on donations/fund obtained from donors or other source as mentioned by the program coordinator.

W/ro Worke Mekuanent, a grand mother of two orphans, who have benefited from this program said, “I am taking care of the children because of your assistance. Now, I’m very much encouraged and happy to get these chickens. It means a lot for me and hopefully become successful as I do in my vegetable growing. I would also like to say thank you for those who have provided us and urge to do the same for others like me.”

Gordome communal garden is one of WeSMCO’s urban agriculture project site found in Addis Ababa, Arada Sub-city around Churchill Road and benefiting around 280 HIV/AIDS infected and affected women and orphans. More than 1080 people are directly benefiting from the project and producing vegetable for their domestic consumption and sell the left over.

TOT on Civic and Voters Education Delivered
Welfare for the Street Mothers and Children Organization conducted Training of trainers on Civic and Voters Education from March 3 – 4, 2008 and March 12 – 13, 2008 at Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Debate and Bullen Woredas and Addis Ababa, Arada Sub-city respectively.

The training is meant to raise the awareness of the community to exercise their rights in the upcoming local and by-election as well as to play its role in the process of democratization in the country. A total of 13 trainers take part in the training and start delivering the education to the targeted 45,000 communities living in both project areas.

WeSMCO Handed Over Office Furniture
Welfare for the Street Mothers and Children Organization (WeSMCO) handed over various office furniture prepared at its Workshop under the “Capacity Building of Community Based Organizations” project funded by Christian Relief and Development Association (CRDA) to Arada Sub City “Idir” Council on Tuesday March 4, 2008 at its head quarter compound.

Speaking at the occasion, His Excellency Dr. Wubshet Berhanu, Addis Ababa City Government General Manager, appreciated WeSMCO’s effort in supporting the destitute communities of the Arada Sub City. He added that the support for the Idir will play significant role in bringing sustainable development in the city as a whole.
Ato Eshetu Mengistu, Director General, explain in his speech that capacity building of CBOs have paramount importance in bringing accelerated and sustainable development in the community.

Delivering speech on the hand over ceremony, Ato Mesele, Arada Idir Council Executive Committee Chairperson, mentioned the immense potential of Idir to contribute to the development of the country as Idir’s have long established experience of leadership and acceptance by the community. He further said “this is the time we should work hand-in-hand in unison for our countries development and advancement”. He also thanked CRDA and WeSMCO for their invaluable support in the name the council.

As a part of the capacity building of CBOs project, 19 office tables, 19 conference tables, 18 shelves, 170 chairs and 18 file cabinets are being handed over to the council that will be distributed among 17 Idirs found in Arada Sub City under the council.

WeSMCO to Teach Civic and Voter Education
Following the 2008 local and by election in Ethiopia, WeSMCO entered into a contract agreement with Council for Democracy and Human Rights Association (CDHRA), a network of civic associations, to conduct civic and voters’ education in Addis Ababa City Government, Arada Sub-City and Benishangul Gumuz National Regional State, Debate and Bullen Woredas on February 21, 2008.
Accordingly, two WeSMCO staff received TOT training organized at Imperial Hotel and training of field trainers is underway. WeSMCO will reach 45,000 people in all the three areas.

HIV Positive Women Trained in BBS
Under the project “Creating Income Generating Activity Opportunity for People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Arada Sub- City” 23 women and one disabled person living with HIV/AIDS have been trained in Basic Business Skill (BBS) on February 21 to 25, 2008 at WeSMCO’s hall found at the head quarter.
Speaking on the graduation ceremony, Ato Eshetu, the Director General, the training enables PLWHA to engage in IGA and encourages saving.
Ato Tariku, Arada Sub-City HIV/AIDS desk, said the training is a model to demonstrate that PLWHA can work and be engage in IGA than just receiving continuous food support, which does not sustainably change their lives.
One of the trainees, Shewaye Hailu, who used to engage in petty trade, said “I quit my former business because I always lose but now from this training I found out where my fault is and will definitely back to business. I also learned the need and benefit of saving and I hope I will be successful business person”.
Most of the trainees were being receiving food support donated by UNWFP and Global Fund through Arada Sub-City HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office for the last 18 months; but now stopped as they are getting better in their health conditions after Anti Retroviral Treatment. The training is provided by WeSMCO in collaboration with Arada Sub city’s Micro and Small enterprises development office with the fund granted from Arada Sub-City HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office

WeSMCO Donated Gabion for the Millennium Park dam
With the fund granted from German Ethiopian Association, WeSMCO donated 300 Gabions of different size for the dam under construction at the millennium park of Addis Ababa by Addis Ababa Environmental protection Authority since December 2007.
The dam contains water to be harvested from the rain and will be used for the nursery site of indigenous tree and afforestation around the Addis Ababa millennium park. The construction is expected to be finalized at the end of May 2008

Youth Centre Construction in Kobo Underway
The construction of Youth Centre in Amhara National Regional State of Kobo Town is underway since August 2006 with the total of Birr 225,943.00 granted from the Ethiopian Bilateral fund of the British Embassy.
According to Ato Eshetu, the Director General of WeSMCO, all the project activities would have been completed by the end of July 2007; but due to various reasons the construction of the Youth Center has been delayed. However, it will be soon completed and by the end of March 2008 the Center will began its service fully.
The center will provide services like library, indoor/outdoor game and awareness raising education and counseling on HIV/AIDS adolescent reproductive health. The project will benefit about 3000 youth living in the town.

Destitute family urges the community to pay tax and condemn illegal trade
The various program beneficiary of WeSMCO participated on the closing of a week-long event organized by Ministry of Revenue across the country under the theme "Tax and Non-Tax Revenue - the Backbone of Our Development" on Saturday 9 February 2008 here in Addis Ababa Millennium hall urging the community to pay tax and prevent illegal trade in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, W/zo Lucha G/Hiwot, a representative of the beneficiaries, said there would be no way of out from poverty unless the citizens, especially the reach pays tax and prevent illegal trade.
Minister of Revenue, his Excellency Mr. Melaku Fenta said the ministry strengthened the capacity of revenue offices with a view to enabling them provide efficient service to the public.
Melaku said the business community has been contributing share in the efforts to modernize the system. Efforts are underway to create awareness among the public with a view to enabling them prevent illegal trade.
Discussions related to Tax and Non-Tax Revenue and tax collection, among others, were held on the occasion.

Traveling cyclists donate bicycles
Tour d’Afrique 2008 bicyclists’ team from 17 courtesies around the world donated 50 bicycles for five NGOs here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 19, 2008 at Canadian International Physicians Aid and Relief (CIPAR) compound.
According to Hennery Goal, the team leader, the donation is meant for the promotion of bicycle for safer environment around the glob and assists the NGOs in their development endeavor by raising fund. He further mentioned that the 61 member team of expedition covers 12 Kms from Cairo, Egypt to Cap Town, South Africa in 120 days crossing 10 African courtiers.

The Country Representative of CIPAR, Ato Banteyirgu welcomed the team and thanked on behalves those organizations received the donation. He mentioned the organizations will receive 10 bicycles each and according to him they will use it for the income generating activity projects as well as for organizational matters. The organizations are: Welfare for the Street Mother and Children Organization (WeSMCO), Hope for Rural Children Organization, CIPAR, Tikuret Le Gumuz Association and Benishangul Relief and Development Association.
CHRIS WILLE, ROD PENNINGTON and DAVID PENNINGTON are the team members who have donated the bicycles.

US’s higher Officials Visited WeSMCO’s Urban Agriculture Program: Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance and USAID Administrator, Henerietta H. Fore and Donald Yamamoto, US ambassador to Ethiopia visited WeSMCO’s urban agriculture program for HIV/AIDS infected and affected women as well as Orphans and vulnerable children found in Addis Ababa, Arada sub-city on November 24, 2007.

Speaking with the beneficiaries, the Director said that the beneficiaries are shown that they can grow healthy and beautiful produce to be sold in the market with good price and earn their own income. She is proud of them that they can learn and acquire skills and do by themselves.

On their part, the beneficiaries have warmly welcomed them all and expressed their heartfelt thanks for visiting them and support they have received from American people, USAID, DAI/ECI-Africa and Welfare for the Street Mothers and Children Organization (WeSMCO), the implementing organization. According to the beneficiaries, the program witnessed that the orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and HIV/AIDS infected and affected women, can actively participate in productive activities and lead their livelihoods by themselves.

WeSMCO’s urban agriculture program is one of many programs that US Agency for International Development and American people Fund in Ethiopia. The program is aimed at providing nutritionally rich food and increasing household income for HIV/AIDS infected and affected women and OVC. The project is commenced in 2004 with the fund provided form USAID through DAI/ECI- Africa to the implementing organization, WeSMCO. More than 1,060 Women and children directly and 15,710 people indirectly benefiting from the project.

MRDF Capacity Building Conference Held: Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) Capacity building workshop for African partners, marked as Strength to Strength Conference held at CRDA’s conference room in Ethiopia on November 22-26, 2007.

Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) Capacity building workshop for African partners, marked as Strength to Strength Conference held at CRDA’s conference room in Ethiopia on November 22-26, 2007.

According to Kirsty Smith, MRDF Director, three years on, 58 delegates representing 29 partner organizations of MRDF from 11 different countries in Africa are gathering for the first ever regional conference organized by MRDF. The conference gave the opportunities for mutual learning, information sharing and fun.

Fifteen topics highly relevant to the operation of humanitarian and development organizations are covered. The participants are very delighted with the conference, especially with the cultural night, where they have enjoyed the Ethiopian cultural dances and music on Sunday November 25, 2007 at Yode Abisiniya Hotel.

Material Support to 13 HIV/AIDS affected Children: Catharina Francina van der Sluis, a volunteer from Netherlands, supported 44 pair of shoes and 100 USD for purchasing clothes for 13 children of HIV/AIDS infected and affected families on November 31, 2007 at WeSMCO’s head quarter compound.

Catharina came to Ethiopia to share her knowledge and experience voluntarily for WeSMCO staff for a month (October 31, 2007 to November 30, 2007). During her stay, she have given training for the staff on the software Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia Dreamweaver and she updated WeSMCO’s website design.

WeSMCO distributed school material and uniform:
Welfare for the street mothers and Children Organization (WeSMCO) in collaboration with Alif and helpful individuals from Germany named Mr. Legese Sahilu and Mr. Andualem Tariku as well as Ato Asegedom Gessese from Addis Ababa has distributed school materials like exercise books, pens, pencils and uniform for 300 orphans and vulnerable as well as beneficiaries of the sponsorship program children since September18, 2007. A daily laborer Yilfshewa Worku, who lives in Arada Sub-city Keble 01/02 Yordanos Asirat's mother, is now able to send her kid Yordanos to school. She said “let alone sending her to school I couldn't properly feed my kid because I don’t have any income except seven or eight birr rarely got daily after washing clothes”. The total fund donated by Alif and the individuals was Birr 9,423.11.


 Alif sponsored additional 45 new children:
 Alliance Investment Fund (Alif) an American based organization sponsored 45 new children in addition to the previously sponsored 8 children since September 2007. The organization has supported about Birr 20,724.49 during the last year to cover the cost of school fee, material and monthly payment of domestic expense for eight children.     
   

WeSMCO's General Assembly meeting held:
WeSMCO’s annual general assembly meeting held following the 10th year anniversary of the organization on September 15, 2007 at WeSMCO head quarter meeting hall. After the welcoming remark of Ato Eshetu, the general director of WeSMCO, chair persons for the meeting were selected and the meeting continued on.

Ato Asfaw Mekuria, a representative from Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency (DPPA), made the opening speech. In his speech he point out that WeSMCO, working in collaboration with other government and non government organizations has registered remarkable achievements and has good working relationship with DPPA. He added that DPPA is ready to fully cooperate with WeSMCO in its future endeavors. Following this Dr. Eyasu H/Sillasea, dupety chair person of WeSMCO’s directors board, has presented its one year accomplishment report.   

After brief accomplishment report of the board, Ato Eshetu Mengistu, WeSMCO's General Director has presented the organization’s annual progress report. See the detail of the report. The participants discussed on the report and forwarded some suggestions and questions that were answered by the director. For W/ro Hiywot Beyeneh and W/ro Tiruwerk G/Mariam, who have completed their term in the board has received their certification during the event and Mr. Nasir Al-Amin, founder of Alif, for his commendable contribution to the Sponsorship program. Similarly, thirteen beneficiary children from HIV/AIDS care and support program are warded for scoring excellent result in the past academic year.


WeSMCO signs a grant assistant agreement with Japan Embassy:
Welfare for the street mother and Children Organization (WeSMCO) has signed a grant assistant agreement with Japan Embassy in order to secure 80,242.00 USD from the Japanese Government through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Projects for the extension of the Bullen Primary School in Benishangul Gumuz National Regional State on September 10, 2007. Speaking on the occasion, his Excellency ambassador Kinichi Komano, Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia said education is the most important factor for the human security project development and should be given special attention by all. He added signing this agreement at the eve of Ethiopian new millennium makes it unique and hopped that this project will improve the situation of Bullen primary school. Taking the opportunity he wished happy millennium for all Ethiopians.     On his part, Ato Eshetu Mengistu, the General Director of WeSMCO said that education plays a key role in a country’s economic development and particularly this project will address the frequent request of the government and the communities of Bullen Woreda. The project will benefit about 1300 children annually and reduce overcrowdings in the school.    


WeSMCO Celebrated its 10th Year Anniversary Colorfully:
Coupled with new Ethiopian Millennium, WeSMCO celebrated its 10th year anniversary colorfully marked with the motto “Focus on Vulnerable Children for the New Millennium” on September 06 - 08, 2007 with various events at its head office compound.
The celebration stated on Thursday Sept. 06, 2007 colorfully with opening of photo exhibition that focused on WeSMCO’s humanitarian aid and development initiatives during the past 10 years. More than 700 people visited the exhibition that lasted for the next three days. Coffee ceremony, lunch, Car wash and cloth donation was parts the events. Including the sponsored children, more than 90 children where gathered in the main compound making the event more colorful

Impressed with WeSMCO’s on going initiatives, two visitors form Germany, Dr. Felten from Munich and Mr.Graebner from Cologne have pledged Birr 500,000.00 for capacity building of the organization.        
In the last ten years, WeSMCO has reached more than half a million people with its development initiatives investing more than Birr 41 million.  WeSMCO Launched New projects – WeSMCO launched four projects recently with the total budget of birr 1,334,550.00 which are funded by BOLSA/UNICEF, TOBASTA, CRDA and Germen Embassy to be implemented at Arada Sub-city of Addis Ababa City Government.
One of the projects, metal and wood work skill training aimed at creating employment opportunity for street children started operating with the total fund of 38,500.00 birr granted by BOLSA/UNICEF for six months. So far 350 youth have been graduated from WeSMCO Skill Training Center from whom 125 are supported by BOLSA/UNICEF.   
With the total fund of birr 1,000,000.00 granted by the French based International NGO, ESF TOBSTA, WeSMCO is implementing construction of potable water at BOKE town of Fedis Wereda, East Hararghe zone of Oromiya Regional state since June 12, 2007.
The project Capacity Building Support project for Community Based Organizations (CBOs) funded by CRDA started operating in Arada Sub city with 19 Idir councils. The project agreement that costs about birr 200,000.00 was signed between WeSMCO and CRDA on May 03, 2007.    
Germen Embassy contributes birr 96, 050.00 for the establishment and expansion of the project "Tailoring Training Center" on July 11, 2007. The center is on the move to provide skill training for destitute girls and women in Arada Sub City. 


Addis Ababa Mayor Visited WeSMCO's projects
Addis Ababa Mayor Birihane Deresa has visited WeSMCO’s various projects found at Arada Sub-City on March 14, 2007.He has visited the Urban Agriculture Project site found around Gordeme River which targeted at improving the lives and income of women affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. The project has benefited 1200 households since its insemination in 2004.

He also visited Skill Training Center, HIV/AIDS project and Sponsorship program found at the Head office compound. After his visit, he expressed that the organization's initiatives are encouraging and should be supported by all development lovers.

WeSMCO Pledged Gabion for flood affected people  
Welfare for the Street Mothers and Children has pledged Gabion that costs about birr 10,600 on the occasion of national telethon organized to raise fund for flood affected people at Sheraton Addis, Addis Ababa on December 3, 2006. According to Ato Eshetu, the Director General, WeSMCO is determined to back those people horribly affected by the flood and for now has pledged 20 baskets that will protect and prevent such incidents in a sustainable manner.
 
Gabion is a box-type made of willow breaches or steel wires or bares and filled with rock or stone which does not require sophisticated skill of construction and easy to transport.  It can be used for water retaining dams, river diversion, flood control, anti-erosion, bridge heads, terracing, hafirs and fortification proposes. The organization produces heavy duity Gabion for its development activities and for sell.


World AIDS Campaign 2006 Celebrated in Arada Sub City kebeles   
Welfare for the Street Mothers and Children in collaboration with the Kebeles 11/12, 13/14, 10 and 01/02 HIV desk and Home Based Care Takers (HBC) celebrated world AIDS campaign 2006 following the launching of community mobilization and awareness creation campaign on voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatments and services on November 31, 2006 at Arada Health Center.
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Speaking on the occasion, Ato Sherif Keri, head of Mayor’s Office at the Addis Ababa City Administration, said, “previously people where frighten and become hopeless when they are infected with the virus and suffered a lot as there were no promising treatments but now thanks to those involved in health sector research, we have the treatments that gives hope and solve the health problems of HIV/AIDS infected and protect mother to child transmission (PMTCT) in a meaningful manner.” He further mentioned that though the government made available ART for free, most of the people expected are not using the service. Moreover, two ART users have testified in public that ART revived their hope maintaining their health and strengthen. 

The campaign was so colorful accompanied with coffee ceremony, candle lighting and entertainments like music, poems and plays. On the events people were sensitized with the ART issues and experiences were being shared among the ART users. More than 600 people take part in the events conducted at the kebeles.  This year’s world AIDS campaign day was marked with the slogan, “Stop AIDS keep the promise.”


WeSMCO Distributed School materials for OVC
Welfare for the Street Mothers and Children Organization (WeSMCO) had distributed school material and uniforms to more than 600 children in September 2006.

“This support helped me to attend my education and to achieve excellent results… my grandmother can’t afforded to pay for my school and but school materials for me” said a 13 year old Mussie, who is one of the beneficiaries. Mussie, who passed to grade eight with high test scores, is also benefiting from the food aid program of WFP that WeSMCO provides for over 500 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). With donations from individuals and groups, WeSMCO is also implementing a one to one sponsorship program that helped enable 59 students to enroll to school and receieve school materials.

In the combat against HIV/AIDS, various efforts are being channeled through integrated packages of projects. To reduce stigma and discrimination continuous awareness creation campaign is being conducted and currently to mitigate its devastating effects WeSMCO is implementing counseling, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs), orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). At the same time school materials and uniforms were distributed to more than 600 children in September 2006. Moreover, in a bid to reduce stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive persons, WeSMCO is now conducting on-going awareness creating campaigns. Concurrently WeSMCO is providing counseling, care and support to PLWHA and OVC to mitigate the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS.