Barefoot Initiative

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Barefoot Initiative Barefoot initiative is a Non Government Organisation (NGO) working to assist communities in the Afar region of Ethiopia with sustainable development.

Barefoot initiative is a Non Government Organisation (NGO) that has grown out of the initiative of a group of three young Australians interested in the sustainable development of marginalised communities. Our name ‘Barefoot Initiative' is symbolic of our goal to work closely with communities at a ground level assisting them in realising their ideas for development.

We are so pleased to celebrate Waklisa Development Association and the important work they are leading to strengthen vir...
08/07/2026

We are so pleased to celebrate Waklisa Development Association and the important work they are leading to strengthen viral hepatitis diagnosis, treatment and care in the Afar Region.

At Barefoot Initiative, we are grateful to walk alongside Waklisa as partners in this work. Their deep community relationships, trusted local leadership and commitment to reaching underserved communities are what make this progress possible. By bringing essential diagnostic services closer to people, this initiative is helping ensure more families can access timely, quality care when they need it most.

We also warmly acknowledge the generous funding support of Fullife Foundation , whose commitment is helping turn this shared vision into practical, life-changing support on the ground.

Together, we are proud to support locally led solutions that strengthen health systems, expand equitable access to care and move us closer to a future free from viral hepatitis.

17/06/2026

Milking hour

17/06/2026

Milking hour 🤍

10/06/2026

Early Mornings in Afar

Maya has followed our work since she was a young child and has always held the dream to one day visit the Afar region, u...
31/05/2026

Maya has followed our work since she was a young child and has always held the dream to one day visit the Afar region, understand better our work on the ground and contribute to it.

With this in mind, it was a very last minute decision for her to join Kyra Marwaha on her recent visit. The work achieved in the past two weeks between Barefoot and Waklisa would not have been possible without her.

So, a very special thank you goes to Maya Syal, who so generously used her holiday time to join Barefoot and Waklisa Development on our recent visit. She brought not only her technical expertise, but also great care, patience, and generosity in the way she shared it. Her support in strengthening budget forecasting and building more sustainable information storage and filing systems for Waklisa will have a lasting impact, and her contribution to this visit was truly invaluable.

Thank you dear Maya on behalf of Barefoot Initiative and Waklisa 🙏🏼

Reflecting on the past week fills me with gratitude and inspiration. It’s hard to believe it’s been two and a half years...
29/05/2026

Reflecting on the past week fills me with gratitude and inspiration. It’s hard to believe it’s been two and a half years since I last visited Abdo Abahaba in Ethiopia. Our journey together began back in 2013, when Abdo first joined the Barefoot Initiative scholarship project. Since then, I’ve watched him grow into a respected leader, now the founder and executive director of Waklisa Development Association, whose commitment to his community is truly remarkable.

This week, Abdo and I have been out in the Afar communities, sharing stories, learning from each other, and dreaming up ways to tackle the tough challenges facing the region, over many cups of Afar Bunna with community members. Every day, I’m moved by the respect Abdo has earned and the deep impact he continues to make. And, as always, we’ve been embraced by the warmth and generosity of Afar hospitality, a reminder of the enduring spirit and kindness here. Feeling so grateful for these connections and the shared hope for a brighter future. Kyra Marwaha

Over the past week, we’ve had the privilege of visiting communities in our project areas alongside our partner Waklisa D...
28/05/2026

Over the past week, we’ve had the privilege of visiting communities in our project areas alongside our partner Waklisa Development, listening to their challenges and gathering feedback to strengthen our work. As we kick off the design of the second phase of our Hepatitis project, we’re engaging in meaningful consultations with community members, clan leaders, health officials, and government healthcare workers. Our goal is to ensure our approach is culturally adapted, aligns with community and government priorities, and addresses critical gaps to support the health system. We’re committed to co-designing solutions that truly make a difference! Fullife Foundation

Kyra Marwaha, our co-founder is back on the ground with Waklisa Development team visiting communities and key stakeholde...
28/05/2026

Kyra Marwaha, our co-founder is back on the ground with Waklisa Development team visiting communities and key stakeholders… more exciting news and updates to come.

Our team and partner Waklisa Development Association were in Addis Ababa last week to catch up with our current scholars...
28/05/2026

Our team and partner Waklisa Development Association were in Addis Ababa last week to catch up with our current scholarship students.
We spent time together to understand their challenges and to take their feedback and recommendations on how we can improve how we support this program.

The dedication our students have for their study and their aspirations to return and@support their communities continues to inspire and draw admiration from us.

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Mekelle

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