Ethiopia: Project Mercy

HOPE FOR ETHIOPIA

Project Mercy is an International Emergency Relief and Community Development organization working specifically in Yetebon, Ethiopia. By providing self-help programs, Project Mercy seeks to reduce the needs for crisis-driven, emergency aid. Project Mercy strives to make the people of Yetebon self-sufficient. They seek to eliminate famines through creating a reliable food supply. They teach valuable trades to give people a means of generating income. Through access quality health care, they treat illnesses and educate the population about healthy lifestyles. By constructing schools, they give children the tools to create a better, more educated life for themselves and their community. Project Mercy's vision is to create a thriving, independent community that empowers this generation and generations to come.

Pura Vida began working with Project Mercy several years back by funding education and health scholarships. Theses scholarships provided access to vital health and education resources that are essential. Currently, Pura Vida is supporting Project Mercy during Ethiopia's food crisis by providing $22,100 of funding for emergency food supplies for the children of the Yetebon region.

Pura Vida's funds along with others will help fund Project Mercy's school meal program to provide two nutritious meals a day to approximately 1,500 children during the school year and 320 during the summer months. Due to the poverty level and lack of resources of many families, these children would not regularly receive even one meal a day without the efforts of Project Mercy and its supporters. The Yetebon region, the location of Project Mercy's school, has been seriously devasted by draught and high food prices leaving many facing starvation. Nearly 5 million people throughout Ethiopia are in need of emergency food aid. Pura Vida's partnership with Project Mercy is bringing needed food supplies to the children of the Yetebon region giving them hope of a future. Project Mercy also works to teach literacy, hygiene, basic healthcare and HIV prevention to community members.