About IHA-UDP


IHA-UDP is a project working amongst the very poorest of the poor in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, bringing hope, breaking the cycle of poverty, and changing communities.

Every day they face problems such as cramped living conditions, lack of sanitation, minimal access to education, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, poor nutrition...

Programmes include:

  • schools and youth centres
  • day-care centres for the elderly and disabled
  • cottage industries to provide employment and workshops to provide training
  • building programmes to replace ramshackle huts with solid houses, provide clean water and sanitation
  • clinics, health posts, and infant nutrition. Health programmes include child vaccination and care for those with HIV/AIDS

Why is it so successful?

  • The key philosophy is a 'bottom-up' approach which responds to the needs expressed by the local people. Nothing is done without consultation of the community. This means people take ownership of the work.

  • The Project has a unique 'integrated holistic approach' so that all kinds of needs are cared for - from health to housing, and education to employment. And these problems are tackled together. This is more effective than, for example, improving a person’s house, but leaving them with no healthcare, job, or hope.

  • The Project aims to encourage self-help. The idea is to withdraw, leaving a self-sustaining community.

  • The overall effect is to genuinely transform a community - bringing optimism and hope. For example, local young people now gain places at university - inconceivable with the previous 'poverty mindset'.