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!"

Dear GlobalGiving Community,

Three months ago, No One Down Relief Organization (NODRO) proudly launched its environmental initiative “Green Futures: Empowering Ethiopian Youth”—a project designed to inspire, train, and mobilize young people across Ethiopia to become leaders in climate action, environmental restoration, and sustainable livelihoods.

This initiative envisions a greener, resilient Ethiopia—where youth are not just beneficiaries but drivers of environmental change and innovation. We are deeply grateful to GlobalGiving and our generous supporters who make this journey possible.

How Our Project Is Progressing So Far

Since the project’s launch in July 2025, NODRO’s team and local partners have been working actively across Oromia, Amhara, SNNPR, and Tigray Regions to strengthen youth-led environmental action, create green jobs, and raise awareness about climate resilience.

  Achievements from July – October 2025

ü  Trained 350 youth climate leaders in sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and waste management.

ü  Established 20 youth-led Green Clubs in schools and TVET institutions promoting eco-literacy and community engagement.

ü  Planted 150,000 indigenous trees across deforested landscapes in Oromia and Amhara regions, with over 80% survival rate so far.

ü  Launched the “Youth for Green Jobs” Campaign, engaging 25 schools and 15 local enterprises to promote sustainable entrepreneurship.

ü  Facilitated 10 climate dialogues connecting youth with local government and private sector representatives to co-design green solutions.

Early Results & Community Stories

From Awareness to Action:

“Before this program, I didn’t know trees could change lives,” says Abel, a 19-year-old from Bahir Dar. “Now, I’m leading my own youth group to grow fruit trees for income and shade in our community.”

Women Leading Restoration:

Through targeted training, 120 young women are now participating in small-scale composting and sustainable farming initiatives in SNNPR, generating income while improving soil health.

Education Meets Innovation:

Youth clubs have developed innovative ideas such as solar-powered irrigation prototypes and eco-brick construction, showing how creativity can drive environmental change.

Challenges We Face

While progress is inspiring, several challenges remain:

ü  Unpredictable rainfall and drought in parts of Oromia delayed tree planting in some sites.

ü  Limited funding restricted expansion to additional regions as initially planned.

ü  Transportation and logistics costs have increased due to fuel price inflation.

ü  Some youth groups face difficulty sustaining activities after initial training due to lack of resources.

Despite these challenges, our young environmental champions remain determined and hopeful—proving that passion and purpose can overcome limitations.

What’s next?

In the upcoming quarter, NODRO plans to:

ü  Expand reforestation and climate education programs to 11 regions, planting an additional 250,000 trees.

ü  Train 500 more youth in green entrepreneurship and eco-innovation.

ü  Establish community nurseries managed by youth groups to ensure sustainability.

ü  Partner with local TVETs and schools to integrate environmental education into curricula.

ü  Launch a national “Green Futures Summit” to showcase youth-led innovations and build multi-sector partnerships.

Sustainability and Long-Term Vision

“Green Futures” is not a short-term campaign—it is a movement for generational change.

By integrating environmental education, economic empowerment, and community leadership, we aim to establish self-sustaining youth ecosystems that protect nature while creating livelihoods. Our long-term vision is to create a network of 10,000 youth environmental leaders across Ethiopia by 2030—each acting as an ambassador for climate resilience, social innovation, and environmental justice.

Why This Project Matters

Ethiopia loses an estimated 92,000 hectares of forest annually, and youth unemployment remains high, especially in rural areas. This project addresses both issues by linking environmental action with youth empowerment.

Through “Green Futures”, young Ethiopians are learning to protect the planet, create sustainable livelihoods, and advocate for greener policies that safeguard their future.

Your Support Makes It Possible

ü  $25 supports the planting and care of 50 indigenous trees.

ü  $100 provides a full climate leadership training for 10 youth.

ü  $500 equips a Green Club with tools and educational materials.

ü  $5,000 funds a regional youth-led reforestation and innovation campaign.

Every dollar you give grows a tree, strengthens a community, and builds a sustainable future.