The $5, €5 and 50-Birr Campaign: Building an Integrated Child Development Center in Addis Ababa

Project Overview (Introduction)
N4ED is proud to launch the first of two fundraising campaigns to support the establishment of our Integrated Child Development Center. Located in Nifas Silk Lafto Sub-City Wereda 12 Health Center, Addis Ababa, the center will address the critical needs of children under five in marginalized urban communities by providing access to early childhood development, nutrition, and health services. The initiative has secured a 380m² plot of land, marking a major step forward in realizing this transformative vision.

Objectives / Goals
This campaign aims to raise funds through small, accessible contributions to demonstrate the collective power of community giving. The goal is to build a safe, inclusive space where children can thrive and where mothers can receive the support, they need to improve their economic and caregiving capacities.

Target Audience / Beneficiaries
The primary beneficiaries are children under five from low-income urban communities in Addis Ababa, and their mothers or caregivers. The center is designed to serve families facing poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to early learning and health services.

Methodology / Approach
By encouraging donations of just $5, the campaign emphasizes collective action over large individual contributions. The goal is to demonstrate the power of community and how small contributions, when multiplied, can make a significant impact. The campaign is conducted via online platforms including GoFundMe, with additional banking options for local donors in Ethiopia. The initiative also leverages social media to raise awareness and drive engagement.

Impact / Expected Outcomes
The center will directly contribute to improved nutritional outcomes, early childhood development, and maternal wellbeing. By offering day care, nutrition, and healthcare services, it will also enable mothers to pursue income-generating opportunities and support their families sustainably. This model represents a scalable solution for similar communities across Ethiopia.

Time
The fundraising campaign was launched in March 2022. 

Donor / Sponsored
This initiative is driven by individual donors and supporters from around the world. Contributions are primarily received through GoFundMe and local bank donations in Ethiopia, with in-kind support provided through community mobilization and advocacy networks.