Address
Brass next to White House Hotel, Addis Ababa
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 1pm
The Kulehe Project is helping young people in Ethiopia—both refugees and local youth—build better futures. Led by the Safe Light Initiative, the project focuses on inclusion, business skills, and economic growth. It is possible thanks to support from both local and international partners.
About Safe Light Initiatives and the Kulehe Project in Ethiopia
Founded in 2018 by Ambassador Sileshi Sals Umer, the Safe Light Initiative is a non-profit that helps young people grow in confidence, leadership, and life skills.
The group focuses on:
- Leadership and diplomacy
- Business and employment readiness
It also supports global goals like:
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Decent work for all
- Strong partnerships
- Learn more about safelight on https://yourwebsite.com/about
What Is the Kulehe Project Ethiopia?
“Kulehe” means “everyone” in the Ge’ez language. It reflects the project’s goal of inclusion for all, especially young people in refugee and host communities.
How the Kulehe Project Ethiopia Empowers Refugee and Local Youth
The project offers youth the tools they need to succeed, including:
- Job training
- Soft skills (like communication and teamwork)
- Business education
- Mentorship
- Access to loans and startup funds
- Opportunities to connect with peers and employers
The aim is to help youth launch and grow their own small businesses
Key Partners Behind the Kulehe Project in Ethiopia
The Kulehe Project succeeds through teamwork. Key partners include:
- International Labour Organization (ILO) – project funder
- Safe Light Initiative – project lead
- Edukans – delivers training
- Cooperative Bank of Oromia – offers youth-friendly loans
- Legend Industrial Garment – provides job training and employment opportunities
- Local governments and refugee services – adapt programs to local needs
Together, they remove barriers like lack of credit, limited skills, and high youth unemployment.
Project Launch Highlights
The official launch was held on January 29, 2025, bringing together:
- Government officials
- Refugee service leaders
- Private companies
- Youth organizations
Ambassador Sileshi Sals Umer opened the event, stressing the importance of inclusion.
Ms. Helen Zenebe, CEO of Legend Industrial Garment, gave a keynote speech on the value of vocational training and women’s empowerment.
A panel featuring the ILO, Edukans, the Cooperative Bank, and others discussed how to help young people become financially independent.
Real Impact on the Community
The project is already making a difference. It supports fair policies and helps people understand the challenges refugees and other groups face. It has enhanced the visibility of refugee economic inclusion, particularly through advocacy for work permits, and strengthened connections among stakeholders, fostering peer learning and collaboration.
The project is already making a difference. It:
- Supports policies that help refugees and marginalized youth
- Advocates for work permits and inclusion
- Builds strong partnerships among local groups
- Encourages learning and support between communities
What’s Next for Youth Empowerment in Ethiopia?
The project is already making a difference. It:
- Supports policies that help refugees and marginalized youth
- Advocates for work permits and inclusion
- Builds strong partnerships among local groups
- Encourages learning and support between communities
About Safe Light Initiative
https://yourwebsite.com/about
Safe Light Initiative Programs
https://yourwebsite.com/programs
Success Stories from Participants
https://yourwebsite.com/success-stories
International Labour Organization (ILO)
https://www.ilo.org
Edukans – Global Youth Empowerment Organization
https://edukans.org/
Cooperative Bank of Oromia
https://coopbankoromia.com.et
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
https://sdgs.un.org/goals