Other projects
In addition to the Long-Distance Adoption program and the Hospital project, the other projects underway in Adwa are also aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the mission also in the future, with the aim of making it, little by little, independent from external economic interventions and free itself from welfare assistance.
The mission aim is the one to lead the population towards an alternative economy based on craft and small industry activities, given the impossibility of continuing the ancient tradition of an economy based on pastoralism and agriculture (damaged by chemical warfare and deforestation). In summary, we can say that “Ethiopia must be saved from the Ethiopians”.
Food and agriculture project
For years, the mission of Adwa has started a program of cultivation and breeding, as well as the preparation of food supplements to treat undernourished children and mothers.
Over the years, many volunteers have worked for greenhouses and stables running. The project manager on site has also arrived since 2016: Giovanni Marchetti works hard in Adwa.
Education Project
Education is precisely the charism of Don Bosco’s Salesians. It is the most precious gift they can offer in missions around the world.
The Kidane Mehret mission of Adwa was born too with the creation of a school, starting from kindergarten and first grade, to accompany children throughout their studies up to graduation and entry into the world of work or university.
At the same time, the mission has always offered professional formation for adults, and in particular for single mothers who were the first to be welcome by Sister Laura. Teaching a trade to those who have not been able to have a basic education is the first step towards the autonomy and dignity of people.
The foundations of the Education project:
- Education understood as scholastic training throughout the compulsory period, from nursery to high school
- Vocational training as a necessary process for entering the world of work
- Technical school as a preparation aimed at acquiring specific skills
- Laboratory activities and small cooperatives for the production of handcrafts to be distributed on local markets
The many workshops for professional training also produce for sale on the local market, establishing a virtuous economic circle of self-financing by activating a “poor” market accessible to the needs of very poor users. This is possible in synergy with the local factories from which the raw material (processing cuttings, cotton waste from weaving) is purchased at almost zero cost.
Underwear and patchwork blankets are produced with the scraps of the processing
With the recycling of rags and even minimal textile residues, padding materials are obtained.
The recycling of paper serves to make up for the lack of wood or other traditional fuels.
All these products are offered on local markets for the direct benefit of the people. The revenues are reinvested by the mission for the new purchase of raw materials.
There are therefore no dispersions outside the local economy
