Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Partners since 2014

About

Cherry is an intrepid entrepreneur with an incredible capacity for empathy. After graduating college, she was struggling to find a job when she had an experience that changed her life. She was driving through the city when she saw a woman working as a sex worker. “Here I am with a degree and I can’t find a job,” she thought. “What hope does she have?” Cherry became determined to be a source of that hope for women in her community living without options. She began building relationships with sex workers in the city, who told her that they wanted to find safer work but lacked the needed skills. Her organization’s mission was born. Today, they have provided over 1,000 women Artisans with life skills training, support services to help their children thrive, and counseling to help them move toward a more hopeful future.

  • Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Nestled in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world and has a rich culture and history dating back to ancient times. Ethiopia was the only African nation to maintain its independence during the European colonialism of the 19th century, a fact about which Ethiopians feel great pride. Coffee, which was discovered in Ethiopia, is the country's largest export and is an important part of Ethiopian culture.

Flourishing World Initiative Grant Recipient

  • Since 2018, Noonday has contributed $15,000 towards programs to help the women of Ellilta experience rehabilitation, security, and personal growth.
  • A Noonday grant funded Ellilta’s matching savings program for 30 women, helping them plan for unforeseen expenses and break the cycle of poverty.
  • When asked what they wanted most, our Ethiopian Artisan Partners were unanimous: education for their children. So we provided school fees and supplies for 12 school-aged children of Artisans.

Stories of Flourishing

  • Women at Risk Programs
    Women at Risk has operated for over three decades in countries all over the world. In Ethiopia, they focus on rehabilitating women transitioning out of prostitution and supporting their children. Women at Risk provides counseling services to help women overcome trauma, financial support to cover their basic needs, and skills training and job placement to help them find safe work. The organization has also provided support to over 500 children through daycare, education, medical, and nutritional support programs.

In the making…