Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is a city roughly the size of London. A very high proportion of the people live in slum conditions.

Every day they face problems such as cramped living conditions, lack of sanitation, minimal access to education, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, poor nutrition...

So where do you start?

IHA-UDP works among some of the very poorest people of Addis Ababa. It uses a 'bottom-up' approach to make a difference, bringing hope and changing communities.

The Project operates 52 separate programmes under three main headings -

Programmes include:

- schools and youth centres

- day-care centres for the elderly and disabled

- cottage industries to provide employment and workshops to provide training

- building programmes to replace ramshackle huts with solid houses, provide clean water and sanitation

- clinics, health posts, and infant nutrition. Health programmes include child vaccination and care for those with HIV/AIDS

Primary Healthcare

Physical Upgrading

Community Development

The aim is to meet the needs of the whole person in an integrated way - and lift people out of the mindset of poverty.

Why is it so successful?

• The key philosophy is a 'bottom-up' approach which responds to the needs expressed by the local people. Nothing is done without consultation of the community. This means people take ownership of the work.

• The Project has a unique 'integrated holistic approach' so that all kinds of needs are cared for - from health to housing, and education to employment. And these problems are tackled together. This is more effective than, for example, improving a person’s house, but leaving them with no healthcare, job, or hope.

• The Project aims to encourage self-help. The idea is to withdraw, leaving a self-sustaining community.

• The overall effect is to genuinely transform a community - bringing optimism and hope. For example, local young people now gain places at university - inconceivable with the previous 'poverty mindset'.

The story so far...

The first project

1989 - Following extensive research, IHA-UDP began work in an area of 35,000 people.

1997 - IHA-UDP withdrew from this area, as planned. The work continues under a community-based organisation.

The second project

At the same time, IHA-UDP began work in a new part of the city. 

They have set up a new set of programmes in this area and rebuilt houses and facilities.

As before, the ongoing work has now been handed over to the local community.

The extension project

IHA-UDP is now busy working in an area adjacent to the second project.

The project is busy re-building homes and community facilities - as well as integrating and expanding the community programmes in the second project area.

This is an expensive phase of the work - and needs your support.

The future...

The work of IHA-UDP is so unique and so successful that an 'Institute for Urban Workers' is being set up to allow people to study the Project’s methodology. This is an investment with the potential to help a great many more people.

How you can help...

Make a donation. Your money will go to support the ongoing work of the community-based projects and the development work of the 'new project' (see above).

Sponsor a child. Sponsorship enables children who would not otherwise be able to attend school. The most needy will also receive a uniform and school dinners. You may follow your child's progress, and write to them, if you wish.

Become a Friend. Friends receive regular information and newsletters, as well as opportunities to offer support for current needs.

Visit the Overview section

Find out all about what the project does, who it helps, and the principles which underpin its work     >>

Visit the Academics section

Primarily for academics and other researchers, you can see detailed analysis of the project's methodology, achievements and financing     >>

Visit the Supporters' section

Find out more about supporting the project, read about some of the project's long-term supporters, and access lots of online resources      >>