After years of struggle abroad, 28-year-old Birtukan returned home with no savings, job, or clear path forward. “I felt lost when I came back,” she recalls.

To support returnees like her, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), in partnership with the Danish Red Cross (DRC), has been implementing reintegration programs focused on economic resilience and community-driven solutions. In Gondar, returnees engage in handcraft-making, helping them regain confidence and earn a livelihood.

"Every thread, every design tells my story," says Birtukan. "Now, I see a future where I can stand on my own and contribute to my community."

With the right support, returnees can rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence, and renewed purpose.

ERCS School of Humanity Officially Launched!

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) School of Humanity has officially begun its journey with its first batch of students! The launch event was graced by ERCS President Ato Abera Tola, Secretary General Abera Lulesa, and former Secretary General Getachew Ta’a, marking a significant milestone in promoting a culture of humanity and non-violence.

With 22 students already enrolled and more registering, the one-year Advanced Diploma program brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, all driven by a shared passion for serving humanity.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, ERCS President Ato Abera Tola emphasized that the school was established in response to the rising inhuman practices leading to devastation. He highlighted its mission to replace violence with a culture of humanity and compassion.

A new chapter in humanitarian education has begun!

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) hosted Jens Tisthamar, Immigration Liaison Officer at the Norwegian Embassy in Addis Ababa, for discussions on ERCS’s engagement in Migration, Social Cohesion, and Restoring Family Links (RFL).

Mr. Mohammed Roba, Manager of the Migration, RFL, and Social Cohesion (MRFL) at the ERCS, led the briefing, providing insights into ERCS’s ongoing operations, challenges, and gaps in these thematic areas.

Mr. Tisthamar expressed strong appreciation for ERCS’s grassroots structure, coordination with multiple stakeholders, and its role as the only local implementer of the EU Individual Measure Consortium Project on Social Cohesion. He further pledged to share the insights gained with relevant departments at the Norwegian Embassy and looks forward to potential collaboration with ERCS in the future.

ERCS remains committed to expanding its partnerships to enhance humanitarian support for vulnerable communities.

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) held a Lesson Learned Workshop on ECHO HIP 2023 Project from March 24-25, 2025.

With Directorate-General European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) funding, ERCS and Red Cross partners have been supporting communities in Amhara, Tigray, and Benishangul-Gumuz since June 2023 through: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Emergency Medical Support (EMS), Disaster Preparedness (DP/DRR), Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), and Protection.

This life-saving project has, directly and indirectly, reached over 350,000 conflict-affected and displaced people.

ERCS thanks ECHO and all partners for making this project a success.