An Inauguration ceremony for a project for expanding orphanage facilities in Mekelle, Tigray Regional State, took place on 29 October, 2011. The project was funded by the Japanese government through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme with USD 96,929, and implemented by a local NGO named the Human Being Association of Brotherhood.  Mr. Hajime Kitaoka, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia, celebrated the completion of the project, together with Ato Fikre Assefa, the Executive Director of the Human Being Association of Brotherhood, government representatives of the Tigray Region, as well as members of the community.

The Human Being Association of Brotherhood was founded by a group of volunteers in 2001 with the view of helping children under difficult circumstances in Mekelle city.  The organization has established the first temporary shelter and drop-in center in Mekelle which provides a home for 73 HIV/AIDS orphans.  Also, the organization provides those children with food, clothing, medication, education, and vocational training.  However, the capacity of the existing center was not able to cope with the rapidly increasing number of orphaned children in the area. 

With this project, 3 blocks of dormitories have been constructed to accommodate 24 more orphaned children.  In addition, the project constructed a barn for the dairy farm, which is producing milk, dairy products, vegetables and fruit, aiming to reduce the dependence of the orphanage center on external assistance, and create income for the organization.

Mr. Hajime Kitaoka in his speech at the inauguration ceremony expressed his profound gratitude to the Human Being Association of Brotherhood for their deep devotion to provide care and love for the orphaned children, and congratulated them for the completion of the project.  He also stressed his sincere wish that the expanded orphanage would greatly contribute to provide every opportunity for all the children at the center.

Since 1997, the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia has supported over 280 Grassroots Human Security Projects throughout Ethiopia, in education, water, agriculture, health and other areas of basic human needs.  The Government of Japan will continue to support a variety of projects at the grassroots level for the marginalized and vulnerable people.