2016 Activity Report

"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." Mother Teresa

CHIROTA Project 2016 Summarized Activity Report
(1 January to 31 December)

I.  Introduction

On behalf of CHIROTA Elderly Neighbors Goodwill Project in Ethiopia, Inc. and its Board of Directors, I would like to extend my greetings to you our supporters and your families!!  It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I submit to you the 2016 Summarized Activity Report of CHIROTA Project.

In 2016, we have assisted 20 households (25 people including two disabled young men, one young lady and her daughter who are HIV/AIDS positive).  During this period, we raised the number of Beneficiaries to 20 households by replacing those who passed away in 2015 and by adding two more households.

CHIROTA Project Main Activities in 2016 were:

·         Providing two meals a day;

·         Give monthly pocket money for rent, utility, cooking gas & Mutual Association (EDIR);

·         Provide medical assistance and counseling;

·         Make their dwellings livable;

·         Provide cleaning assistance as needed;

·         Visit the Elders frequently to avoid loneliness and to check on their health condition

1.  Providing two meals a day

(a) The Beneficiaries have received 9 to 12 Injeras a week depending on their needs and number of families. The Injeras were distributed Monday, Wednesday and Friday as scheduled.  This year, the Baker has provided good quality of Injeras at all times.

(b) The Food Ingredients: Split Lentil, Peas Powder, Cooking Oil and home-made Berbere (Chili Powder) were distributed at the beginning of each month as planned.

Note:  Whenever the Beneficiaries were unable to cook, cooked food was provided.

2.  Monthly pocket money

Each Beneficiary has received the allocated money for rent, water, electricity, cooking gas, mutual association and for addition food ingredients such as vegetables and salt.

3.  Medical Assistance

In 2016, the Beneficiaries general health conditions were good except some aches and pains. Those Beneficiaries who needed to refill their medications; those who needed checkups including the new Beneficiaries were escorted to Selam Clinic. Their expenses were covered accordingly.  There is no change on those bed-ridden young men.                                   

4. Visiting and Counseling

As planned, the Volunteers were visiting the Beneficiaries once a week to listen to their concerns, comments and to solve problems, if any. Moreover, the messenger who was delivering Injera three times a week was gathering information and was passing it to the Volunteers. The Volunteers were taking action immediately. The actions taken were reported to the Advisors and to me.

5. Providing cleaning assistance

In 2016, we did not provide cleaning assistance, thanks to neighbors and family members of the Beneficiaries who were willing to do the job.  

6. Shelters, Clothing and Bedding

At the beginning of the year, all necessary items such as clothing, bedding and house repairs were provided to all including the new Beneficiaries. 

II.  2016 Financial Status

1. Thanks to you, our financial standing was very good in 2016.  Moreover, the Administrator and the Volunteers have managed the monthly expenses in a very controlled manner.

2. All income and expenses were recorded daily and the quarterly accounting ledger was submitted to me.  Accordingly, the 2016 complete financial statement was prepared. It was further discussed with Administrator and Accountant to make sure the figures are correct. The final financial statement will be audited soon.

III.  Positive Achievements

1.   One of the greatest news in 2016 was the good health conditions of all Beneficiaries and not losing a single life.

2.    While I was in Addis Ababa, the Beneficiaries had expressed their appreciation of their supporters as well as the Volunteers for their unwavering assistance.  Moreover, I found out that they are considering the Volunteers as their confidant and they feel free to talk to them.  Recently, I have received reports from two Advisors that all Beneficiaries are happy and are very grateful.

3.      In 2016, one of the positive outcomes was that neighbors and family members provided cleaning assistance to some of our Beneficiaries. This is a result of efforts made by the Volunteers to create good relationship among neighbors and family members

4.      We are happy to report that one of our Beneficiaries and her daughter, who are HIV/AIDS positive, are doing really well. They are taking their medications as advised by doctors. They are happy with the food assistance they are getting from us.  Also, the mother is happy with the business that we established for her.  Above all, her seven years old daughter is doing fine at her new school. The kids do not give her problems like her previous school.  Moreover, their neighbors are not giving them hard time anymore. As we were told, the neighbors attitude was changed due to our presence and involvement in taking care of this family.                                                                                                                            

IV.  Encountered Difficulties

At the end of 2016, two household families of our Beneficiaries, who were renting from private individuals, have to move away due to high rent increase.  We also found out that it was beyond our ability to help them, so they have to move far away from the neighborhood.  Since it is far, it is difficult for us to deliver their assistances and also for them to come.  For the time being, there is a temporary arrangement which won’t be feasible to continue unless we find another solution.  

V.  Volunteers and Employees

The Volunteers (Administrator, Accountant, Medical Assistant, Advisors), the Cook and the Messenger have expressed their willingness to continue assisting CHIROTA Project. In this regard, I have extended my appreciation to all of them for their willingness, as well as for providing compassionate and respectful services to the Beneficiaries.  Without their firm and devoted performance, it could have been difficult to accomplish the goals and objectives of CHIROTA Project.

VI.  Board of Directors

My appreciation goes also to the Board of Directors for their commitment, advice and generous support to reach to the goals and objectives of CHIROTA Project.  Especially, I wish to extend my thanks to the Secretary of the Board for recording minutes of the meetings and keeping the important documents of CHIROTA Project.

VII.  Conclusion 

In conclusion, I wish to inform you that CHIROTA Project activities are being operated according to its Goals and Objectives.

I would also like to emphasize here that I am fully satisfied with the activities performed in 2016 and assure you that, with your support, it would continue to be a very successful project.  I am looking forward to receive your questions, comments as well as suggestions. 

God bless you for caring for those vulnerable people!!

Warmest regards,
Founder/President
Date: 30 June 2017