Friday, February 23, 2018

More than Water. More than Money. Meet Aragesh.

Aragesh Kantifo (shown holding one of her children in photo) is a 20-year-old married mother of two children. This month HOPE International Development Agency colleagues and supporters visited her community of Kamale Barrye-Oro in southern Ethiopia. While there, they met Aragesh and heard a little bit of her story.

Late last year, construction of a gravity-fed spring cap water system was completed at high point above Aragesh’s community. As a result, community members now obtain clean water from taps at various water points conveniently located within the community.

There has been immediate improvement in health outcomes for the people living in Kamale Barrye-Oro, especially among the children. Many families have already attended training sessions where they’ve learned about good practices in the areas of health, hygiene, and sanitation.

And there is more. Over the past 4 months, 11 women’s self-help groups have been formed. Aragesh is a member of one of the groups and serves as its secretary. The women meet weekly to contribute to the group savings fund, share experiences, learn to solve common problems together, and learn about ways to start small businesses. The group savings fund has become a financial resource from which group members can borrow.

Recently, Aragesh took out her first loan of 200 Ethiopian birr, an amount equivalent to approximately $10 CAD. She used the loan to start a small business making a local beverage and bread which she sells café style outside her home. She plans to pay off the loan within two months, along with 10% interest. Once that is done she plans to take out a second, larger loan to expand her business.

Aragesh explained that until now she had never heard of the idea of saving money or investing in a business to earn a living. She spoke with great pride about being able to contribute to her household and support her children. She exuded incredible joy and confidence as she spoke with her visitors.

More than water. More than money. Aragesh has hope for her future and for that of her children.

Monday, February 5, 2018

Join us for dinner and changes lives in Nepal


Join us this for dinner this Spring and help thousands of people in Nepal transform their lives.

You'll enjoy a wonderful meal, the company of friends, silent and live auctions, great music, a short feature film shot on location in Nepal, and an important opportunity to transform lives through your giving.

HOPE International Development Agency has been helping families worldwide since 1975, enabling them to transform their lives as they gain access to clean water, education, training, and new ways to earn income and grow more food.


View 2018 Events




Last year, the kindness and generosity of people who attended HOPE International Development Agency events in cities across Canada enabled well over 30,000 people in Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Ethiopia to begin transforming their lives.

BANGLADESH
Microcredit loans are enabling families to start small businesses.

In addition, families in Bangladesh are gaining access to:
  • Clean water for better health
  • Basic health care and medicines, especially for mothers & children
  • Secure shelter through newly constructed homes

Learn More


CAMBODIA
Wells, latrines, and agricultural training are enabling families to transform their lives.

In addition, families are gaining access to:
  • Improved education opportunities at newly constructed schools and school rooms
  • Increased nutrition and health through tools and seeds to plant home gardens

Learn More


ETHIOPIA
Clean water is changing everything for families in southern Ethiopia

In addition to clean water, families are gaining access to:
  • Centrally located water points throughout communities
  • Latrines for improved sanitation, health, and privacy
  • Self-help groups and loans to start new livelihood activities

Learn More