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 aim to use simple, sustainable technology and develop the projects with the community members involved so that they can maintain and further what has been done.
Our projects are carried out in the Afar region of North East Ethiopia. The Afar has fewer hospitals, schools or social services than almost any other region in Ethiopia. They generally die at a young age and about one third of Afar children do not live beyond the age of five.
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The use of money is direct and transparent. Our budgets are low and are used directly for materials, equipment, travel, accommodation and food while working in the country.
These expenses are minimal as we carry out the projects while living with the communities incorporating as much as possible their life style. At this early stage of our organisation we pay our own airfares and receive no salary.
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In December 2004 – February 2005, our project team initiated and built a Health Post (Clinic) & Education centre in the community of Yooren in the Afar. Since then the Barefoot Initiative team has returned to the Yooren community where they have carried out further projects. The people of Yooren have expressed a desire to establish small vegetable gardens. Barefoot Initiative will be returning to Yooren at the end of 2006 to assist the community to establish small family vegetable gardens. On their return trip to Yooren other projects will also be carried out, please visit our website for more information regarding this.
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Barefoot Initiative relies on the generosity of the community to enable its ongoing work with marginalized communities. You can contribute to our work by visiting our website and donating online or posting a money order or cheque. Please email your donation amount and your contact details to ask@barefootinitiative.com so we can acknowledge your donation. The work we carry out is not possible without the financial support of the community around us. We thank you for putting your trust into our work.
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Attached Documents:
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