First Lady of F.D.R.E, World Vision, KIA motors and KOICA marks the start of construction of a new community-run auto mechanic training center
Addis Ababa (May 27, 2016) – World Vision Ethiopia funded by World Vision Korea, KIA Motors and KOICA, kicks off ground breaking ceremony for the new community-run auto mechanic training center, on May 27, 2016 at Lideta sub-city, Addis Ababa.
The new community-run auto mechanic training center, with the total cost of USD2.01 million, is due to be completed in the first half of 2017. The center aims reducing the percentage of economically vulnerable population by enhancing market participation of Addis Ababa youth, providing comprehensive business skill and market participation opportunities. When the center opens in 2017, it will employ the local community and take on around 100 young trainees each year. The centers will enable trainee mechanics to work towards national qualifications in their countries.
“This KIA-funded KOICA Green Light project is part of the Ethiopian Government strategy to promote skilled labour through vocation trainings to address jobless youth. With a 5-year budget of over $2M USD (44.1 million Birr) it will initially transform the lives of at least 615 Youth, of which 220 will become Auto Mechanics and 395 will be trained in Ethio-Handicraft. It will have its own governing structure and continue to train young men and women,” Says Edward Brown National Director of World Vision Ethiopia in the opening remark.
Kia Motors Executive H.E Mr Jin Hang Chung on his part said, “The establishment of the new centre is part of Kia’s on going global corporate social responsibility program, the ‘Green Light Project’. And we hope the establishment of the new auto mechanic training centre in Ethiopia will encourage the development of successful, community-operated businesses that can have crucial impact in the country.”
The First Lady of F.D.R.E H.E. Roman Tesfaye officially launching the project stressed out that the project has to be very objective in selecting the beneficiaries and need to employ a serious follow up on the progress of the program to achieve the target goals. She further said “Women economic empowerment is not a one-go process and also could not be completed by one actor. It requires a multi-sartorial approach that involves financial sectors, educational institutions, civil societies and the higher political leadership among other”.
The new community-run auto mechanic training center will provide various kinds of vocational trainings equipped with the necessary machineries and vehicle parts. Market opportunity and on job trainings will also be facilitated afterwards.
The project targets to train 615 Youth for five years. (220 in Auto Mechanics and 395 in Ethio-Handicraft)After five years, the project will have its own governing structure and continue to train youths and women.
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For more information, please contact: Meron Aberra, at meron_aberra@wvi.org, 0911-221060
End Note: World Vision began its first intervention in Ethiopia in 1971 with relief and opened the Ethiopia office in 1975. During the 1984/85 drought, World Vision Ethiopia participated in a massive relief operation that saved the lives of millions of people. After an intensive relief and rehabilitation programme, the organization developed a new integrated development approach the objective of which was to ensure empowerment and transformational change. This approach led to the establishment of Area Development Programs (ADPs) in the 1990s that is still being implemented and continuously strengthened today.