Grundfos, in partnership with Plan International Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Water Technology Institute, has created job opportunities for 1,133 youths in Ethiopia through a training program supported by funding from the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) under the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In Ethiopia, the youth unemployment rate (ages 15-29) in urban areas was 27.2% as of 2022, significantly higher than the general unemployment rate of 18.9%. Unemployment disproportionately affected women, with a rate of 35% for women versus 17.2% for men. Specifically, in Gambella, the youth unemployment rate was 25.7%, with a notable gender gap—14.9% for men and 33.6% for women.
To address this, Plan International and Grundfos offered training courses to young people in the areas of installation and maintenance of solar-powered water pumping systems. The aim is that the young people will be better equipped to apply for jobs with a focus on building better and more sustainable water systems so that even more people in the Gambella region will have access to clean water. The young Ethiopians also underwent a few months of training on how to create a good Curriculum vitae (CV) so they can successfully apply for jobs.
Haider Jemal Haider, 23
Marta Geremew, 24
Twenty-three-year-old Haider Jemal Haider, one of the training beneficiaries, says, “I have a part-time job laying and maintaining piping systems for private customers. Now I can easily cover my expenses.” He also gained knowledge on how to apply for jobs and optimize his CV, which ended with him being offered a job as a salesman.
In 2020, through the DANIDA-supported program, the Danish government allocated DKK 25 million to secure relevant special training for 10,000 young people in Africa. Out of those, Plan International Denmark received DKK 8 million to create relevant technical education in Ethiopia together with Grundfos.
Marta Geremew, a 24-year-old computer science graduate, applied for a place in a training program to learn about entrepreneurship and sustainable water supply. After the course, Marta and 14 others from the course joined forces and started a business. Grundfos and Plan International have provided a start-up grant, so the group is now well-placed to run a business focusing on the installation and maintenance of solar-powered water pump systems.
The training held at the Ethiopian Water Technology Institute was conducted by Grundfos technical teams from the IMEA region and local trainers from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023.
Blen Yirga
Winsa Waktole
Blen Yirga, Grundfos Senior Sales Engineer, says, “It was an honour to partner with Plan International Ethiopia and equip the Ethiopian Water Technology institute with cutting edge Solar Water pumping training demo unit, pump cutaway, electrical tools and other learning equipment with an aim to empower both the instructors and the trainees to make a lasting impact in the water sector and for their personal growth. This initiative not only strengths the educational institute and the youth in Ethiopia but also solidifies Grundfos footprints of in the market and showcases out commitment to grow the water sector.”
Winsa Waktole, a local trainer, states, “Many of the young people who have gone through our course have had the opportunity to start their own businesses by installing and maintaining water pipes in their local areas. Others have found jobs after learning how to create strong job applications, and they are now earning good money.” Winsa, who is 32 years old, holds a bachelor's degree in water engineering and a master's degree in civil engineering.
Andreas Malmos, Head of Public Affairs & Policy at PlanBørnefonden (Plan International Denmark), said, “A total of five batches of youth (a total of 1,133 young people) were trained in Gambella and Hawassa in the water and textile/garment sectors. Currently, an add-on project is ongoing in the water sector in Gambella, supported by the Grundfos Community Grant and another donor.”
Plan International:
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children's rights and equality for girls. We strive for a just world, working together with children, young people, our supporters, and partners.
Grundfos:
Grundfos pioneers solutions to the world’s water and climate challenges and improves the quality of life for people. As a leading global pump and water solutions company, we promise to respect, protect, and advance the flow of water by providing energy and water-efficient solutions and systems for a wide range of applications for water utilities, industries, and buildings.
SafeWater is a strategic business unit within Grundfos that leads the Grundfos Water Access ambition, aimed at providing access to water for people in need. To achieve this, SafeWater collaborates closely with multi-sector partners, including the world’s leading humanitarian and development aid organizations, banks and financing institutions, investors, and governments, to transform underserved communities through commercially viable and smart water solutions that contribute to a better future for all.