Reflecting on the past decade
Our CEO Lisa Cousins looks back on the last ten years at Ethiopiaid.
10 years of change
It’s hard to believe that it has already been 10 years since I began my journey with Ethiopiaid. When I first joined the charity, I was excited to be able to contribute to an organisation and cause that felt incredibly important. What impressed me most was the commitment of the trustees and its loyal donors to locally led partnerships. I could never have imagined just how much it would change me.
Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an incredible group of people—our passionate team, our inspiring local partners in Ethiopia, and of course, the many generous donors and supporters who have believed in our mission. Together, we’ve been able to make a real difference in the lives of people and communities across Ethiopia.
What makes Ethiopiaid so special
Having worked in the charity sector for more than 25 years I can honestly say that being here at Ethiopiaid has been a career highlight. It is a privilege to be able to visit the people and communities we are helping our partners to support in Ethiopia. Every visit I have made has left me both humbled and inspired. Being there in person and following the journey of individuals, families and communities over the years has shown me that our model, which we have had right from the very beginning 35 years ago, really does work and is sustainable.
From providing life-saving care to supporting sustainable development projects, Ethiopiaid has been there, supporting our partners to help people lift themselves out of poverty and offering hope for a better future. Our impact is felt in countless ways.
Our incredible supporters
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of Ethiopiaid’s donors. Their trust and commitment have been the backbone of everything we do. Every donation, every message of encouragement, and every moment of partnership has fuelled our work and brought us closer to our vision of a more equitable and just world.
Alongside the successes there have been many challenges that we have had to overcome. Our partners have constantly adapted, continuing to run their programmes through devastating locust swarms and water shortages in Afar, the conflict in Tigray, inflation, and the global covid pandemic.
The last decade has taught me that whatever comes our way we are able to respond quickly when it really matters.
Looking forward
Looking to the future I’m filled with hope, and eager to make the most of opportunities that come our way to transform more people’s lives in Ethiopia.
What I am most proud of is how Ethiopiaid has stayed loyal to its founding approach, remaining locally led – it is at the heart of what we do.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of Ethiopiaid over the last 10 years.
