Programs – Betelhem Ze_Ethiopia

Empowering Hope

The project aims to alleviate the suffering of children affected by the recent war and conflicts in Ethiopia, specifically in the Amhara, Afar, Tigray, and Oromia regional states. The Bethlehem Ze-Ethiopia Humanity and Charitable Works Foundation plans to provide monthly financial assistance to 700 children for a project period of one year.

The project will be implemented in collaboration with several partners, including the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, the Amhara Development Association, the Afar Development Association, the Tigray Development Association, the Oromia Development Association, the Women and Children Bureaus of the four regional states, Religious Organizations, and the Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organization (CEHRO).

Support Project

Music City

Ethiopia is a country rich in cultural heritage, with a long and diverse history of music and dance. Zema music is a form of chant that is central to the ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Church, developed by Saint Yared in the 6th century. Zema chants are sung in Ge'ez, the ancient liturgical language of Ethiopia, and are accompanied by traditional instruments such as the krar (a lyre), the washint (a wooden flute), and the kebero (a drum).

The church’s Zema schools in the small village of Bethlehem have been the center of the highest level of Zema education for centuries. The schools have played a crucial role in preserving and promoting this important musical tradition, with students learning not only the chants but also the history, theology, and liturgy associated with Zema music. Read More...

Slum Upgrade

Addis Ababa is undergoing tremendous changes but there still remain a lot of slum houses. Even the Prime Minister has made it a habit to regularly and personally go to these houses and with his own hands start the process of upgrading; encouraging others to join him in the effort.

This project has the potential to bring many benefits to both slum residents and the city of Addis Ababa as a whole. For slum residents, upgrading can improve their physical environment by providing better access to water supply, sanitation, waste collection, electricity and other basic services. This can have positive impacts on their health and well-being.

For cities, slum upgrading can foster inclusion by addressing serious problems affecting slum residents such as illegality and exclusion. It can also promote economic development by releasing the potential of informal settlements.

One of Bethlehem Ze-Ethiopia’s mission is to help Ethiopia achieve the UN SDGs by the year 2030 and upgrading slums is stated under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This goal aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by ensuring access for all to adequate housing among other targets.