Green Futures: Empowering Ethiopian Youth

Project Report on Green Futures: Empowering Ethiopian Youth (#70762) Dear GlobalGiving Community, Warm greetings from No One Down Relief Organization (NODRO). We are pleased to submit our latest progress report for "Green Futures: Empowering Ethiopian Youth", a transformative initiative strengthening youth leadership in climate action, environmental restoration, and green entrepreneurship across Ethiopia. As we approach the close of this reporting period (November 2025 - February 2026), we are encouraged by the continued enthusiasm, resilience, and innovation demonstrated by young environmental champions throughout the country. ________________________________________ Project Progress Overview Over the past three months, NODRO has focused on scaling youth engagement, strengthening sustainability mechanisms, and expanding green livelihood opportunities. Key Achievements (Nov 2025 - Feb 2026) Planted an additional 120,000 indigenous trees, bringing the cumulative total to 270,000 trees planted under this initiative. Established 8 new community-managed nurseries, increasing long-term tree survival and local ownership. Trained 420 additional youth in climate-smart agriculture, eco-entrepreneurship, and environmental leadership. Expanded Green Clubs to 35 active schools and TVET institutions. Launched pilot youth-led recycling micro-enterprises in three urban centers. Conducted 12 community climate dialogues linking youth groups with local authorities and private-sector actors. ________________________________________ Early Outcomes and Impact Youth as Environmental Leaders Youth leaders are now independently organizing monthly clean-up campaigns and tree maintenance programs. Survival rates of previously planted trees remain above 82%, supported by community monitoring. Green Jobs in Action Through eco-entrepreneurship training, youth groups have launched: Small-scale seedling sales businesses Organic compost production units Community waste segregation initiatives Some groups are already generating modest but meaningful income, demonstrating the viability of climate-aligned livelihoods. Strengthened Community Ownership Parents, elders, and school administrators increasingly participate in Green Club activities, reinforcing sustainability beyond project funding. ________________________________________ Challenges Encountered Despite strong progress, several challenges remain: Extended dry spells in some project areas affecting seedling growth. Increased transportation and operational costs. Limited access to water sources for nursery irrigation. Financial constraints slowing expansion into additional regions. To address these, we are strengthening water-harvesting techniques and promoting drought-resistant indigenous tree varieties. ________________________________________ Monitoring & Accountability We continue to uphold transparency and measurable impact through: Quarterly reporting to GlobalGiving Field supervision and digital documentation GIS-supported monitoring of reforestation sites Youth feedback forums to improve program quality Pre- and post-training evaluations measuring knowledge and income outcomes Updated Key Performance Indicators (Cumulative Progress) 270,000 trees planted 770 youth trained in climate leadership and green livelihoods 35 active Green Clubs 8 community nurseries operational 12 climate dialogue platforms established ________________________________________ What's Next? (March - June 2026) In the coming quarter, we plan to: Plant 150,000 additional trees during the rainy season Train 300 more youth in advanced green enterprise development Expand Green Clubs to 50 schools Launch a Youth Climate Innovation Challenge Strengthen partnerships with local technical colleges We are also preparing for a mid-year impact review to assess environmental and economic outcomes more comprehensively. ________________________________________ Sustainability & Long-Term Vision "Green Futures" is building more than trees-it is building a generation. Our long-term goal remains to cultivate 10,000 youth environmental leaders by 2030, each contributing to ecosystem restoration, economic resilience, and climate advocacy. By integrating environmental education with livelihood pathways, we are ensuring that conservation and economic opportunity grow together. ________________________________________ Why Continued Support Matters Youth unemployment and environmental degradation remain deeply interconnected challenges. By equipping young people with skills, leadership capacity, and entrepreneurial tools, we are addressing both root causes simultaneously. Your support helps us: Expand reforestation efforts Strengthen youth-led enterprises Build sustainable climate awareness networks Promote long-term ecological resilience ________________________________________ Ways to Support $25 supports planting and care of 50 indigenous trees $100 trains 10 youth in climate leadership $500 equips a Green Club with tools and materials $5,000 funds a regional youth-led green innovation campaign Every contribution plants seeds of hope and opportunity. ________________________________________ Closing Appreciation We sincerely thank the GlobalGiving team and our generous supporters for your continued partnership and encouragement. Together, we are nurturing resilient ecosystems and empowering young leaders to shape a greener future for Ethiopia. With gratitude, Mrs. Woderyelesh Ashebir Belay Executive Director No One Down Relief Organization (NODRO) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia nodeethiopia.org@gmail.com +251-967-105-147 ________________________________________ "Planting hope today, for a greener Ethiopia tomorrow!"