International Migrants Day - Highlighting Stories of Resilience and Cooperation in Ethiopia

In a bid to commemorate International Migrants Day, taking place every year on December 18, the European Union Delegation to Ethiopia embarked on a compelling social media campaign, displaying the resilience of migrants supported by some EU cooperation projects under the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF) in Ethiopia.

Empowering Communities and Building Livelihoods: the STEDE Project in Fafan zone

Among the featured projects in the campaign, there was the Strengthening Socio-Economic Development and Better Employment Opportunities (STEDE) project. Operating in the Fafan Zone of Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, STEDE was implemented by Mercy Corps in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council. This project is designed to empower refugees and host communities through tailored activities aimed at enhancing livelihood opportunities.

In a video testimonial, Fatuma, the manager of a cooperative, shares her firsthand experience with the STEDE project. Together with other women, Fatuma formed a cooperative and received vital support including trainings, financial support, and networking opportunities. Fatuma highlights how the project facilitated the development of cooperative bylaws and other necessary regulations, contributing to the sustainable growth of their enterprise.

Watch the video 👉here.

Addressing the critical issue of financial access for refugees and host communities in the Somali region, another video illustrates how the STEDE project actively supported these communities, by facilitating access to customized financial services, breaking significant barriers to economic stability and growth.

Watch the video 👉 here.

Reintegration Support: Stories of Returnees

The campaign also highlighted testimonies from the Sustainable Reintegration Support to Ethiopian Returnees from Europe and Support to Vulnerable Displaced Populations affected by COVID-19 (SRSERE) project. By showcasing returnee stories from Sweden and central Europe, the videos illustrate the comprehensive reintegration assistance provided by the EU through the project, demonstrating collaborative efforts between the EU and the Ethiopian government in aiding migrants as they rebuild their lives in their homeland.

Learn more in this video about Zemedkun’s journey, a returnee from Sweden forging a brighter future at home.

In another video, Alemtsehay shares her successful journey of establishing a hair salon after returning from the Netherlands. These narratives highlight how returnees can positively contribute to Ethiopia's development.