Nutrition, Early Childhood development, and women empowerment through an Integrated Children’s center for lower-income families of Addis Ababa

This flagship project brings to life N4ED’s vision of a first-of-its-kind integrated children’s center in Addis Ababa—combining health services, early learning, caregiver support, and women’s empowerment under one roof. Designed for long-term impact and sustainability, the center will serve as a model for transforming how marginalized communities support the development and wellbeing of young children and their families. Uniquely, the project is powered by a diverse coalition of public, private, and nonprofit donors—making it N4ED’s most successful crowd-sourced initiative to date.

Combating Gender-Based Violence in the Dire Dawa Region

A cooperation project between the sister cities of Dire Dawa and Villeurbanne (France), this 24-month initiative is funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the French Embassy to Ethiopia. It addresses gender-based violence (GBV) in 25 kebeles of Dire Dawa through a multi-pronged strategy combining awareness-raising, capacity building, survivor-centered response, and socio-economic reintegration. Activities include school and community sessions, strengthening shelters and referral systems, as well as supporting survivors with business training and seed funding.

“Empower Her” – Strengthening Women’s Independence and Family Support

Funded by Buntstifte (Crayons Ethiopia), this project works to empower vulnerable women and children in Woreda 11, Yeka Sub-city, Addis Ababa, by addressing the everyday struggles of poverty, poor healthcare access, and economic instability. It takes a holistic approach—building women’s economic independence through self-help groups and income generating activities, while improving family health, nutrition, and parenting. At the same time, it nurtures children’s learning, creativity, and emotional well-being through tutoring and artistic expression. By strengthening entire families, the project helps create a more resilient, supportive, and violence-free community.

Combating Harmful Traditional Practices and Empowering Adolescent Girls in the Dire Dawa Region

Supported by UAF Africa’s IGNITE program, this project combats gender-based violence (GBV), with a particular focus on harmful traditional practices (HTPs) such as female genital mutilation and early marriage in the Dire Dawa region. It aims to improve educational access, safety, and outcomes for adolescent girls by building protective environments both in schools and across their communities. Through gender clubs, stakeholder collaboration, and dormitory support, the project empowers girls to stay in school, speak up, and shape a future free from violence and discrimination.

Justice, Dialogue and Gender Equality in Ethiopia (JuDGE)

Under the JuDGE programme, led by the French Embassy, N4ED collaborates with Eurika and IDS to pilot Ethiopia’s new National GBV Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and deliver survivor-centred services across Addis Ababa, Gondar, Debre Birhan, and Mek’ele. This initiative bridges humanitarian and development efforts by strengthening first-line responders and advancing legal and social reforms in both crisis and non-crisis contexts.

A Holistic Approach to Economic, Social, and Early Childhood Development among the Lowest Income Members of the Ethiopian Sport Academy

Funded by Ethiopiaid UK, this project weaves together quality child-care, women-driven livelihoods, and gender-equity services for the lowest-income staff at the Ethiopian Sport Academy. By upgrading an on-site day-care, launching savings-and-loan groups, and offering ongoing GBV support, it creates a self-sustaining model where families gain skills, income, and safety—building a healthier academy community and a brighter future for their children.

Reintegration of Homeless children and vulnerable girls to into their families and communities

Launched in June 2024, this three-year initiative brings together Jovenes y Desarrollo (lead and grant manager), the Salesians of Don Bosco (working to reintegrate street boys), the Mary Help of Christians Pre-province / FMA (young single mothers), and N4ED as a technical partner. Working hand-in-hand, we support homeless children, vulnerable girls, and young mothers in Addis Ababa to heal, learn, and re-enter society through long-term education and family-centred care.

Taste Week with Alliance Dire Dawa

In November 2018, during French Taste Week, N4ED partnered with Alliance Française Dire Dawa to promote nutrition and hygiene among children and mothers in Jerba’s peri-urban community through interactive and educational sessions.

Nutritious and Ingenious Foods Series with WANDA

In collaboration with WANDA’s founder, Ms. Tambra Raye, N4ED conducted engaging sessions with over 50 primary school students in Lycee Guebre Mariam and One Planet International School to promote balanced meals and indigenous nutritious foods. Using the #WheresWANDA book series, the activity aimed to educate children while promoting African food heritage and nutrition literacy.

Nutrition & Health Signature Event at One Planet International School

In February 2019, N4ED partnered with One Planet International School for a month-long focus on nutrition and health, culminating in a signature event to engage students and parents. The goal was to raise awareness on child feeding behaviors and promote volunteerism in young learners and their families.