Bullo’s story
A former traditional birth attendant describes how community dialogue is changing views on female genital mutilation.
Content note: discusses FGM and the deaths of mothers and babies in childbirth.
Afar Region, Ethiopia · Since 2007
Safe water, health care and education in Afar
Friendship Support Association (FSA) works with pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Ethiopia’s Afar Region. Our staff live and work in the communities we serve.
Our work in numbers
131,496people served by 18 solar-powered water systems
33,476children reached with their first vaccinations
24,160members of 3,862 village savings groups
380+hectares of rangeland restored
90+temporary learning centres established
To add before publishing: the reporting period and source links for these figures.
Local roots
FSA was founded in 2007. We have six offices, in Addis Ababa, Samara, Awash 7 Kilo, Chifra, Aba’ala and Gulina.
87%of our staff live and work in the communities we serve.
What we do
- Water and hygieneSolar-powered water systems and hygiene education
- Health and nutritionVaccination, maternal care and mobile outreach
- Women and girlsSavings groups, livelihoods and reproductive health education
- LivelihoodsRangeland restoration, fodder and small-scale irrigation
- EducationSchools, learning materials, adult literacy and child sponsorship
- PeacebuildingMediation and dialogue between communities
- Emergency responseFood, livestock care and support after drought, conflict and displacement
Stories from Afar
A shorter walk for water
Two solar-powered wells in Dulessa district bring water closer to families who once made a six-hour round trip.
Content note: This story describes the death of a child.
Mr. Asker takes handwashing to his community
Mr. Asker shares what he learned about hygiene with his neighbours.
Work with us
FSA works with donors, NGOs, UN agencies and the Afar Regional Government. Partners have included the European Union, CARE, World Food Programme, Gavi and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe.
Reports and policies
Read our annual report, audited financial statements, safeguarding policy and feedback and complaints policy.