ERCS Conducts High-Level IFRC Field Visit to Project Activities in East Shoa Zone of Oromia Region
A high-level delegation led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Africa Regional Head Mr. Charles Businge conducted a field visit to Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) project activities in Adama and Adami Tulu-Jido Kombolcha districts of East Shoa Zone, Oromia Region.
The visit began with an overview presentation on the operational context of the ERCS East Shoa Branch and its activities in Adama and Adammi Tulu – Jido Kombolcha districts. The Branch Head, Ato Buseri Bunda, presented an overview of the ongoing programs, key achievements, implementation progress, operational challenges, and priorities.
The delegation also visited health and WASH facilities supported through Ethiopia Crises to resilience (EC2R) program and reviewed the activities implemented there.
The field visit aimed to provide the delegation with a comprehensive understanding of the ERCS operational context and program implementation in East Shoa Zone. It also provided an opportunity to strengthen engagement among IFRC representatives, ERCS staff, local stakeholders, and community members.
The visit also provided an opportunity for constructive discussions on program progress, implementation challenges, sustainability measures, and opportunities for future support and collaboration. These discussions contributed to strengthening the partnership and shared understanding between IFRC and ERCS regarding strategic priorities and ongoing humanitarian interventions.
Mr. Charles Businge, IFRC Regional Director, commended the programs implemented by ERCS in drought-prone areas of the region, highlighting their positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of affected communities. He also appreciated ERCS’s efforts toward achieving greater financial self-reliance and recognized the achievements made through income-generating activities (IGAs). Furthermore, he acknowledged the regional branch’s efforts to support other ERCS branch offices through experience-sharing, peer learning, and the exchange of best practices.
He further recommended integrating peacebuilding components into the programs, particularly in areas experiencing complex humanitarian and social challenges, to help strengthen community resilience and promote sustainable outcomes.
Dr. Asha Mohammed, Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Cluster Delegation to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Permanent Representative to the African Union and international organizations, noted that the IFRC delegation is supporting efforts to strengthen the capacity of ERCS branch offices. She reaffirmed the delegation’s commitment to further enhancing branch capacity and institutional strengthening to enable branches to operate more effectively, efficiently, and sustainably.
On behalf of ERCS, Mr. Mohammed Jemal, Deputy Secretary General for Branch Affairs and Localization, expressed his appreciation to Mr. Charles Businge and the IFRC delegation for taking the time to visit the project sites despite their busy schedules. He highlighted that the visit was highly motivating for ERCS staff and leadership, describing it as a clear demonstration of “leadership in action.” He noted that the visit reaffirmed the importance of strong collaboration, engagement, and continued support between ERCS and IFRC.
Overall, the field visit served as an important platform for reviewing achievements, identifying areas for improvement, and reinforcing collaboration between ERCS and IFRC in delivering sustainable humanitarian and community-based interventions in Oromia Region.
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