LWF Ethiopia

27/09/2026

As we celebrate , the finding of the True Cross, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF Ethiopia) extends its warm wishes to all observing this special occasion.

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14

May this season of faith, hope and renewal bring peace and blessing to you and your loved ones.

Happy Meskel! እንኳን ለብርሃነ መስቀሉ በሰላም አደረሳችሁ!

#መስቀል #ከተራ #መልካምየመስቀልበዓል

25/09/2026

Praying for peace in

The Lutheran World Federation is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in northern Ethiopia and the dire consequences for communities that are still suffering from the 2020/2021 civil war. The LWF calls on all parties to the conflict to choose dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful means of resolving conflicts, and to uphold the dignity and rights of civilians.

Please join the LWF in standing in solidarity with the affected communities, and pray for peace, for our church, our World Service country program and partners in the region as they accompany and serve the people impacted by the violence.

Praying for peace in Ethiopia

The Lutheran World Federation is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in northern Ethiopia and the dire consequences for communities that are still suffering from the 2020/2021 civil war. The LWF calls on all parties to the conflict to choose dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful means of resolving conflicts, and to uphold the dignity and rights of civilians.

Please join the LWF in standing in solidarity with the affected communities, and pray for peace, for our church, our World Service country program and partners in the region as they accompany and serve the people impacted by the violence.

17/09/2026

14/09/2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Ahmednur Abib.
It is difficult to find the words to describe this loss because, in many ways, we have not only lost a colleague; we have lost an institution within LWF.
Ahmednur played an extraordinary role in establishing LWF's presence and reputation in the Somali Region. He knew the Region, its people and its institutions deeply, and he built relationships founded on trust, respect and genuine human connection. He was an exceptional liaison who could open doors for LWF in the highest halls and corridors of power, while remaining equally at ease sitting and talking with the communities we serve. Through him, LWF was welcomed, trusted and able to work in places where relationships mattered as much as programmes.
But those of us who knew him will remember much more than what he achieved professionally. We will remember the warmth, humour and humanity he brought to his work. Visitors to the Somali Region loved being with him. He had a wonderful ability to make people feel welcome and at ease, and he represented LWF with enormous pride and generosity.
Perhaps most special was the way he engaged with the women participating in our projects. He had a remarkable ability to connect with them-with humour, respect and encouragement, drawing them into conversations, making them laugh, listening to them and, above all, making them feel that their voices mattered. He did not simply speak about women's empowerment; in his own way, through his everyday interactions, he helped women feel confident, valued and heard.
These qualities cannot be captured in a job description or measured through project indicators. They came from the person he was.
For many of us, Ahmednur was more than a colleague. He was a dear friend and an important part of the LWF family. His contribution to LWF in Ethiopia, and particularly to our work in the Somali Region, will remain long after his passing. The relationships he built, the doors he opened, the communities he connected us with and the colleagues and visitors whose lives he touched are part of his legacy.
We loved him, and we will miss him sorely.
At this very difficult time, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, loved ones, friends and all our colleagues who worked closely with him. May they find strength and comfort in knowing how deeply he was respected, appreciated and loved.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
With deepest sympathy.

Sophie Gebreyes
Country Director, LWF Ethiopia

11/09/2026

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF Ethiopia) is deeply grateful for a meaningful year of shared work, resilience, and commitment.

As we enter this Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash), a season of renewal, hope, and new beginnings, we give thanks to our partners, supporters, and everyone we have had the privilege to work alongside. Your collaboration, solidarity, and unwavering support continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of the communities we serve.

"You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance." - Psalm 65:11

Happy Ethiopian New Year and Season’s Greetings! መልካም አዲስ ዓመት!

#አዲስዓመት #እንኳንአደረሳችሁ #መልካምአዲስዓመት

07/09/2026

Building Resilient Communities Through Peacebuilding and Climate-Smart Livelihoods in Southern

As part of the Climate Resilient Livelihoods and Peacebuilding Project in Southern Tigray, funded by Suomen Lähetysseura (FELM) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and implemented by LWF Ethiopia, significant progress is being made in strengthening peaceful coexistence and climate-resilient livelihoods among communities.

In Raya Azebo Woreda, community peace dialogue and demonstration activities brought together influential actors from and Kebeles, including respected elders, Dibarte (Peace Mothers), religious leaders, and Abogereb (Peace Fathers).

The dialogue focused on strengthening peaceful coexistence and fostering constructive relationships among communities in Raya Azebo, , and . Participants explored practical approaches to conflict prevention and resolution through dialogue, mediation, trust-building, and indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms.

Complementing the dialogue, a peace demonstration provided an opportunity for participants to publicly reaffirm their commitment to reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, and collective responsibility.
Alongside peacebuilding efforts, the project supports vulnerable farming households through improved agricultural inputs aimed at enhancing food security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

In Mechare Kebele of Raya Azebo and Hade Alga Kebele of Raya Chercher Woredas, rightsholders received improved onion seed for cultivation. Priority was given to women-headed households with access to irrigable land, persons with disabilities, double-vulnerable households, and households affected by chronic illness.

The distributed seeds are expected to improve vegetable production, nutrition, income generation, and resilience to climate-related shocks. In addition, rightsholders in Mechare Kebele received agricultural digging tools (Acrominon/Zabya) to support land preparation and cultivation efficiency.

Together, these interventions demonstrate how integrated peacebuilding and livelihood support can strengthen resilience, promote social cohesion, and improve the wellbeing of communities.

As the Ethiopian New Year approaches, we hope that the seeds of peace planted here will take root, grow, and blossom into lasting peace, not only in the year ahead, but for generations to come. Happy Ethiopian New Year! May the New Year bring peace, hope, and renewal, and lay the foundations for a more peaceful future for all.

LWF Ethiopia extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland for their continued support and commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities.

04/09/2026

Building Resilience, Restoring Hope in South Tigray, Ethiopia

Through the Suomen Lähetysseura (Felm)-funded Climate Resilient Livelihoods and Peacebuilding Project, LWF Ethiopia continues to support conflict- and drought-affected communities across Raya Azebo, Raya Chercher, and Esra Adi Wajerat Woredas through integrated livelihood, food security, and protection interventions.

Vulnerable households have received Solo papaya seedlings, promoting climate-smart agriculture while improving household nutrition, diversifying income sources, and strengthening long-term resilience.

Highly vulnerable households have also been supported with goats, helping families restore productive assets, rebuild livestock-based livelihoods, and strengthen self-reliance. Priority is given to women-headed households and families facing heightened vulnerabilities.

Other vulnerable households have received multipurpose cash assistance, enabling them to meet urgent food and other basic needs with dignity and flexibility. The assistance also incorporates protection-sensitive support for GBV survivors.

In Tsehafti Kebele, Esra Adi Wajerat Woreda, the establishment of a Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS) has entered its initial phase. The WGSS will provide a safe and supportive environment where conflict- and drought-affected women and girls can access protection services, psychosocial support, information and referrals, as well as opportunities for empowerment.

Together, these interventions are helping vulnerable communities recover from crisis, rebuild livelihoods, strengthen resilience and social cohesion, and move towards a more secure and hopeful future.

LWF Ethiopia extends its sincere appreciation to the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland for their generous funding and continued support, which makes this work possible.

30/08/2026

On August 26, 2026, LWF Ethiopia Country Representative Sophie Gebreyes and LWF North Regional Coordination Office (NRCO) team visited Mai-Weyni and Seba Kare Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Sites in . The visit was marked by inspiring moments of suppleness, cultural celebration, and meaningful engagement with conflict-affected communities.

The visit began with a warm and heartfelt welcome from community members, followed by vibrant celebrations that showcased the rich cultural heritage, dignity, and strength of women and girls. The delegation also toured the sites, observed child-feeding activities, and joined recreational and sporting events designed to promote psychosocial well-being and social cohesion among displaced families.

A key highlight of the visit was the open dialogue held with community representatives, women, youth, and other displaced residents. Community members openly shared their challenges, aspirations, and questions, while engaging in constructive discussions with the visiting delegation.

Throughout the discussions, community members expressed their profound gratitude to LWF Ethiopia and its generous international donors and partners for the help full assistance provided during a period of immense hardship.

At the same time, community members emphasized that significant needs remain. Many vulnerable families are still awaiting assistance and continue to require sustained humanitarian support until durable solutions are achieved and they can safely and peacefully return to their places of origin.

The visit served as a powerful reminder that, despite the hardships of displacement, communities continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience, unity, and determination to rebuild their lives. It also reaffirmed the critical importance of continued international solidarity and investment in humanitarian and recovery efforts to ensure that no vulnerable family is left behind.

"Thank you, Sophie Gebreyes, and the entire LWF Ethiopia team, for standing with us during our most difficult times. Your support has brought , , and renewed confidence for a better future."

Together, through partnership, compassion, and collective action, we can continue empowering conflict-affected communities on their journey from displacement to recovery, resilience, and lasting peace.

28/08/2026

Hitsats IDP Site Visit and Celebration with Displaced Communities in Northwest Tigray
The Hitsats IDP Site, one of the largest displacement sites in Northwest Tigray, is currently home to more than 18,000 internally displaced persons ( ). Demonstrating a strong commitment to accountability, community engagement, and humanitarian accompaniment, LWF Ethiopia Country Representative Sophie Gebreyes and LWF North Regional Coordination Office (NRCO) Head Kebede Manjur conducted a comprehensive field visit to the site. The visit culminated in a vibrant celebration of , the cherished cultural festival that symbolizes dignity, identity, and hope among the vulnerable women and girls.
Throughout the visit, discussions were held with displaced women, men, youth, community leaders, CCCM representatives, and local government officials to better understand community priorities, protection concerns, and ongoing humanitarian needs. The delegation also toured the IDP site, visited the LWF-supported Protection Center, engaged with women beneficiaries receiving Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPC) through the and projects highlighting the transformative role of humanitarian assistance in restoring dignity and strengthening resilience.
The visit provided an important opportunity to witness firsthand the positive impacts of collaborative humanitarian action and the meaningful contributions of local communities in shaping effective responses. Despite the challenges of prolonged displacement, the strong spirit, determination, and social cohesion demonstrated by the residents of Hitsats remain inspiring.
Community members expressed their sincere appreciation to Canada’s Foreign Policy—Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS), and The Lutheran World Federation (LWF Ethiopia) for their continued partnership and support. Beneficiaries emphasized that the assistance provided has contributed significantly to enhancing protection, meeting urgent needs, and helping displaced families rebuild hope for a more secure future.
Together, we continue to stand with displaced communities, promoting protection, dignity and inclusion for those affected by displacement in Tigray.
The Lutheran World Federation acknowledges the support of Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) and the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program ( ).

26/08/2026

Adi-Gebru Solar-Powered Water Supply System Inauguration and Handover Ceremony
A day of celebration, gratitude, and renewed hope for the people of Adi-Gebru Town!
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF Ethiopia), with generous funding from Canada’s Foreign Policy—Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), successfully completed, inaugurated, and officially handed over the Adi-Gebru Solar-Powered Water Supply System in Tsimbla Woreda, Tigray Region.
The handover ceremony was attended by LWF Ethiopia Country Representative Sophie Gebreyes, LWF Northern Region Coordination Office Coordinator Kebede Manjur, Tigray Water and Energy Bureau Vice Director Niguse Bitew, zonal and woreda government officials, Endabaguna Town and Tsimbla Woreda administrators, Adi-Gebru Town administration representatives, technical experts, and hundreds of community members.

Implemented in close partnership with the Tigray Regional Bureau of Water and Energy and the Tsimbla Woreda Water Development Office, the project restored sustainable access to safe drinking water for approximately 17,000 people, including 5,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). The climate-smart system consists of a high-capacity 18.5 kW solar-powered pump, 70 solar panels, a 30 kW inverter, more than 3.2 km of HDPE transmission pipelines, and a 100 m³ service reservoir, delivering up to 9 litres of water per second.

The inauguration coincided with the exciting Ashenda Festival, making the occasion an unforgettable double celebration. Women, girls, children, elders, and local leaders expressed their happiness and heartfelt gratitude to LWF, GAC, CLWR, and government partners for bringing a lasting solution to years of severe water shortages.
The joy reflected throughout the event was powerful and inspiring. For many women and girls, the project means freedom from long and exhausting journeys in search of water. For families, it means improved health, dignity, hygiene, and reliable access to safe drinking water. For the wider community, it represents resilience, recovery, and hope for a better future.