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Efforts Underway to Rehabilitate Destitute across Ethiopia |
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A National Task Force for the Rehabilitation of Fellow Citizens Engaged in Begging, established
by comprising of various committees and forums of government bodies, members of the civil society and
the private sector is currently preparing to launch a massive fund mobilization campaign of Birr 400
million to be used as a seed money to rehabilitate and repatriate 200,000 beggars in Addis Ababa and
other main towns of Ethiopia.
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The official statement released by the Taskforce showed that the initiative is inspired by the practical
pilot project recently undertaken by an indigenous CRDA member organization called Elshaday Relief and
Development Association (ERDA). According to the assessment report of ERDA, of the 24,000 beggars and
destitute rehabilitated and repatriated, only 200 returned to their former status. The rest have been
successfully rehabilitated. With a view to adopt the same model at a grand, national level, a
comprehensive rehabilitation program ha been designed.
In a consecutive consultations carried afterwards, number of government bodies, religious institutions,
secular & faith based non-governmental organizations, the business community and other members of the
civil society have become part of this national effort with utmost willingness and resolute support.
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These organizations had established "National Task Force for the Rehabilitation of Follow Citizens
Engaged in Begging." According to the Task Force, the a activities of rehabilitating these needy
compatriots will require a detail assessment of their background, socio-economic situation,
identification of corresponding solution and follow up of sustenance of the rehabilitation work.
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Accordingly, various committees and forums have been established under it to mobilize resources and
implement the program. The NGO/CSO Forum is one of the constituents and consists of 11 members including
CRDA. The NGO/CSO Forum has already managed to raise more than half a million Birr to Finance its Annual
Action Plan.
The Income generation activities of the Task Force will include organizing a Telethon Dinner, Sports,
Music and Film Festivals, preparation and Sales of Lottery, mobilizing of foreign aid from the Ethiopian
Diasporas and other helping hands. There is also promotional and awareness creation campaign group.
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The National Task Force is currently preparing to organize a Telethon at the Millennium Hall tentatively
for May 18, 2008 in the presence of high ranking government officials and important personalities of the
business sector and civil society organizations.
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In the mean time a consultative meeting of Civil Society intended to discuss on the implementation
matters is scheduled for March 18, 2008 at the CRDA. An awareness creation and program popularization
workshop for the media personnel is also planned for April 22, 2008.
As a human being and a citizen, haven’t you felt sad about the fate of thousands of needy people on the
Streets of Addis and other main towns? Haven’t you wished a better day for these compatriots? Despair no
more as the day is approaching: The Civil Society, the private sector and the government are prepared to
exert their efforts to curb the situation. Here is an opportunity to do your part.
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