Why should PROJECT-E receive your donations? In the articles on our blog, we have often tried not only to provide you with information about us and our NGO, but also to give you insights into the country of Ethiopia, its traditions, history and people. Today, we take a step back from this: clear the stage for PROJECT-E!
PROJECT-E runs the PROJECT-E Hospitality Institute (PEHI) in the Ethiopian capital: Addis Ababa. Every year, an average of 30 Ethiopian women complete a high-quality training programme to become employees in the hotel industry. This is possible thanks to the commitment of the employees and volunteers who are involved in the web-based Team International or work directly at PEHI in Team Ethiopia – and thanks to the financial support of international donors. You ask why it is worthwhile to donate to PROJECT-E as a whole and the PEHI specifically? We have written down ten reasons for you:
- PROJECT-E means education!
PROJECT-E’s motto is “Education Empowers” for a reason. Josef Waldstein founded PROJECT-E 12 years ago when he realized how important education is for a self-determined life. PROJECT-E still follows this realization today. Ethiopian women who complete an education after school have significantly higher chances of leading a financially independent life – at PEHI they can follow the path to this goal.
- PROJECT-E empowers women!
Similar to many other countries in the world, women in Ethiopia face particular challenges throughout their lives. Because educational opportunities especially for Ethiopian women from less privileged backgrounds can help break gender-discriminatory vicious circles and strengthen the social role of women, PROJECT-E focuses on women.
- PROJECT-E is locally anchored!
The training at PEHI is based on the Ethiopian training standards for the hotel industry. The staff and all teachers of the institute are Ethiopian, and 18 full-time positions were created. From the beginning, PROJECT-E was embedded in the local structures in Addis Ababa, supported by local volunteers, and cooperated with local NGOs and hotels.
- PROJECT-E has a holistic approach!
At PEHI, the students are primarily trained as hotel specialists, but the curriculum also includes the promotion of holistic life skills. The women follow courses to stimulate their self-confidence, as well as to develop new language skills, to practice team sports and to acquire knowledge in the healthcare field.
- PROJECT-E is a team of young people!
International volunteers, students and young professionals work remotely together across the planet. This keeps the Team International young and dynamic, so there are always new ideas on how to support the important work at PEHI and to motivate one another.
- PROJECT-E is cost-efficient!
The cooperation of the volunteers creates no additional expenses as the Team International operates on an online and decentralized basis. As a result, little to no administrative costs are incurred – only minimal costs are spent on successful marketing operations. This guarantees that nearly 100% of the donations go directly to the PEHI and students!
- PROJECT-E acts in a market-oriented way!
Addis Ababa, the seat of PEHI, has grown into a political and cultural hotspots within the African continent in recent years. This has had a positive impact on hotel operations, but it has also brought special challenges. The training of highly qualified hotel professionals at PEHI is PROJECT-E’s answer to this development of the hotel industry, which at the same time ensures that the female students have excellent career prospects after graduation.
- PROJECT-E is experienced!
Already in 2009, the starting signal was given for PROJECT-E’s first project, the AOSTD Secretary College, and six years later, work was started on PEHI. The Secretary College was successfully transferred to a local partner organization. Thanks to the cooperation with local experts, PROJECT-E can now look back on twelve years of valuable experience in fostering women’s education.
- PROJECT-E is transparent!
In order to ensure that the donations arrive where they are needed, PROJECT-E deals transparently with the costs incurred. Through the annual financial report and regular PR activities, PROJECT-E clearly communicates where each donation amount is administered to.
- The facts speak louder than anything else!
At PEHI, 30 women receive training every year. With their degree, the female students can reach hotel management level 2 according to Ethiopian standards. Despite the poor situation on the Ethiopian labor market, 100% of the female students were able to enter the profession directly after their graduation – on average not more than 34 days after the end of their training!
