International Friendship Association (IFA) gGmbH is a legally registered, migrant‑led non‑profit organization based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany (HRB 108288). Founded in 2017, IFA operates with full tax‑exempt status and maintains the highest standards of transparency and accountability, with annual financial statements certified by FSW.tax Steuerberatungsgesellschaft.

IFA works at the intersection of intercultural integration, education, skills mobility, youth empowerment, gender equality, and development cooperation, building bridges between Germany and Ethiopia while strengthening social cohesion in Hesse and beyond.

🌍 Our Mission

IFA empowers individuals and communities through:

• Intercultural integration & dialogue
• Democracy promotion & civic participation
• Youth leadership and refugee empowerment
• German language training & vocational skills development
• Ethical migration pathways between Ethiopia and Germany
• Support for vulnerable children and girls in Ethiopia
• Development cooperation and international partnerships

Our work is grounded in the legal purposes defined in §§ 51–68 AO, including support for persecuted individuals, promotion of international understanding, and advancement of development cooperation.

🌍 Binational Institutional Structure

IFA operates through a binational, legally compliant structure:

IFA Germany (IFA gGmbH)

Based in Frankfurt, responsible for:

• Skills mobility programs
• German language training
• Partnerships with German institutions
• Employer engagement
• Integration support
• International cooperation
• Project development & quality assurance

IFA Ethiopia (Legally Registered NGO)

Our sister organization in Ethiopia, responsible for:

• Local implementation
• Recruitment & community outreach
• University & TVET partnerships
• Government liaison (MoLS, MoE)
• Training center operations
• Monitoring & evaluation
• Support for children & girls

Together, IFA Germany and IFA Ethiopia form a sustainable, binational bridge for ethical migration pathways, skills development, and community impact.

🌍 Social Impact in Ethiopia

IFA Ethiopia implements community‑based programs focused on:

• Girls’ education — access to school materials and safe learning environments
• Women’s empowerment — leadership and livelihood programs
• Child protection — support for orphaned and vulnerable children
• Community resilience — SDG‑aligned development initiatives

🌍 Diaspora Leadership

IFA is a founding member of the Afrikanisch‑Deutsche Arbeitsgemeinschaft e.V. (A.D.A.G.E.), the national umbrella organization representing African diaspora organizations in Germany.

Through A.D.A.G.E., IFA contributes to:

• National migration and integration policy dialogues
• African–German civil society cooperation
• Advocacy for ethical migration
• Federal‑level diaspora representation

🌍 Engagement with German Development Actors

IFA contributes to ongoing expert discussions on ethical skilled labour migration between Ethiopia and Germany. These engagements help us stay informed about current developments, policy directions, and cooperation opportunities within the German development ecosystem.

🌍 Our Partnerships

Government Partners

• Ministry of Labor & Skills (Ethiopia)
• Ministry of Education (Ethiopia)
• German Embassy (Addis Ababa)
• Ethiopia Embassy (Berlin)
• Hessian State Chancellery
• Hessen Agentur
• City of Frankfurt (AmkA)
• Brot für die Welt

Academic & TVET Partners

• Madda Walabu University (Ethiopia)
• Arsi University (Ethiopia)
• Werabe University (Ethiopia)
• Wachemo University (Ethiopia)
• University of Thessaly (Greece)
• University of Pula (Croatia)
• UBT University (Kosovo)
• University of Skopje (North Macedonia)
• Euro College (North Macedonia)
• ISET Sfax (Tunisia)
• AAMUSTED University (Ghana)

Private Sector Partners

• terratalent GmbH (Berlin)
• German employer networks
• Workforce mobility companies

International Networks

• EU–Africa Higher Education Partnership Consortium
• Multi‑country mobility alliances
• Diaspora networks
• Civil society coalitions

🌍 Planned Project: Center of Excellence in Ethiopia

IFA is currently developing a Center of Excellence in Ethiopia to strengthen future Ethiopia–Germany skills mobility. The project is in the planning and fundraising phase, and implementation will begin once funding is secured.

The planned Center will include:

• CEFR‑aligned German language training (A1–B1)

• Pre‑departure orientation

• Vocational skills development

• Ethical migration pathways

• Workforce readiness & soft skills

• Employer‑linked job placement

This initiative reflects IFA’s long‑term vision to create sustainable opportunities for young people in Ethiopia and support ethical workforce mobility.

🌍Digital Platforms Supporting Our Work

IFA benefits from ongoing nonprofit access to leading global digital tools that strengthen our communication, collaboration, and impact:

• Canva for Nonprofits – active nonprofit access

• YouTube Nonprofit Program – nonprofit status active

• Microsoft Nonprofit Cloud

• Microsoft Azure

• Microsoft 365 Nonprofit

• Stifter‑helfen – ongoing digital support for nonprofit tools

These platforms help us create educational content, manage operations, and deliver high‑quality programs efficiently.

🌍 Donation Platform

• Betterplace.org – our active online donation platform

Past Supporters & Grant Providers

Over the years, IFA has received support from respected German foundations and platforms, including:

• Aktion Mensch

• Grace Impact

• Stiftung Mitarbeit

We acknowledge their contribution to our mission and remain committed to transparent, responsible use of all funds.

🌍 What Makes IFA Unique

• Binational structure (Germany + Ethiopia)
• Migrant‑led and diaspora‑driven
• Legally registered in both countries
• Strong government recognition
• University and TVET partnerships
• Social impact for children and girls
• National diaspora leadership (A.D.A.G.E.)
• Engagement with German development actors
• Private sector job placement partners

IFA combines corporate‑level accountability with community‑driven impact, ensuring that every donation and partnership contributes to a more inclusive, equitable, and globally connected future.

Children’s Programme: Supporting Vulnerable Children in Ethiopia

IFA’s Children’s Programme provides essential support to children in Ethiopia who have been orphaned or affected by HIV/AIDS. These children face significant challenges — emotional, social, and economic — that can limit their opportunities and long‑term development.

Our goal is simple: to give every child the chance to grow, learn, and thrive.

The Challenge

HIV/AIDS has left many children without parents or stable support systems. These young people are among the most vulnerable in society, often facing stigma, poverty, and limited access to education and healthcare.

Without targeted support, they risk falling into a cycle of hardship that affects their entire future.

Our Response

IFA provides structured, community‑based support that addresses both immediate needs and long‑term development.

What We Provide

• Educational Support 
  Access to schooling, uniforms, and learning materials.
• Health & Nutrition 
  Basic healthcare, hygiene support, and nutritional assistance.
• Psychosocial Care 
  Emotional support, trauma‑informed activities, and resilience‑building.
• Community Integration 
  Awareness programs that reduce stigma and promote inclusion.
• Pathways to the Future 
  Support that helps children grow into confident, capable young adults.

How We Work

As a professionally managed German non‑profit (gGmbH), IFA ensures:

• Transparent program management
• Evidence‑based methods
• Regular monitoring and evaluation
• Culturally grounded implementation through local partners

Our approach combines German‑standard accountability with deep community engagement in Ethiopia.

Why This Matters

These children deserve more than survival — they deserve opportunity, dignity, and hope.
By supporting their education, health, and emotional wellbeing, we help them build a foundation for a brighter future.

When a child receives support today, an entire community becomes stronger tomorrow.

🌍 Child Sponsorship: Real Impact, Measurable Change

Give a Child in Ethiopia the Chance to Grow, Learn, and Thrive

Every child deserves safety, education, and hope for the future. Through IFA’s Child Sponsorship Programme, you can make a direct and lasting difference in the life of a vulnerable child affected by HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

Your support provides more than basic assistance — it creates opportunity, dignity, and long‑term stability.

What Your Sponsorship Provides

Nutrition & Health

Regular nutritious meals, basic healthcare, hygiene support, and essential wellbeing services.

Education Access

School fees, uniforms, books, and ongoing learning support to keep children in school.

Safe & Supportive Environment

Protection, stability, and community‑based care that helps children feel secure and valued.

Holistic Development

Psychosocial support, mentorship, and extracurricular activities that build confidence and resilience.

Your Contribution

For €30 per month (€360 annually), you become a partner in transforming a child’s life.
In Ethiopia, this contribution provides comprehensive support that addresses both immediate needs and long‑term development.

Why Sponsor Through IFA gGmbH?

• Full Financial Transparency 
  As a registered German non‑profit corporation, we ensure accountability and responsible use of every donation.
• Professional Programme Management 
  Structured interventions with clear goals and measurable outcomes.
• Direct Impact Reporting 
  Sponsors receive regular updates on their sponsored child’s progress and wellbeing.
• Tax‑Deductible Donations 
  All contributions are tax‑deductible in Germany.
• Sustainable, Community‑Based Approach 
  We work with local partners to ensure culturally grounded, long‑term impact.

Your Support Creates Real Change

Whether through monthly sponsorship or a one‑time donation, your generosity helps us reach more children who urgently need support. Even small, consistent contributions create transformative impact.

Together, we can break cycles of poverty, stigma, and vulnerability — and build brighter futures for Ethiopia’s next generation.

Become a Sponsor Today

Join our community of change‑makers and support a child’s journey toward safety, education, and opportunity.

[Sponsor a Child Now]

🌍 Educational Support: Equipping Children for Success

Giving vulnerable children in Ethiopia the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Education is one of the most powerful ways to break the cycle of poverty. Through IFA’s Educational Support Programme, we provide essential learning materials to orphaned and marginalized children affected by HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

When children have the right tools, they gain confidence, stay in school, and build a foundation for a brighter future.

What We Provide

School Supplies

Textbooks, notebooks, pens, and essential learning materials.

School Kits

Backpacks, uniforms, and basic equipment needed for daily school life.

Learning Tools

Where possible, access to educational technology and digital resources.

Creative Materials

Art supplies, educational games, and creative tools that support holistic development.

Library Resources

Books and reading materials that strengthen literacy and curiosity.

Why Educational Materials Matter

For many vulnerable children, the lack of basic school supplies is a major barrier to attending school.
Our support ensures that no child is excluded simply because their family cannot afford the essentials.

With the right materials, children:

• attend school more regularly
• perform better academically
• feel confident and included
• stay motivated to continue their education

Our Professional Approach

As a registered German non‑profit corporation (gGmbH), IFA ensures that every educational resource is:

• Quality‑checked — meeting educational standards
• Age‑appropriate — tailored to each child’s learning level
• Sustainable — durable materials that last throughout the school year
• Locally sourced — supporting local markets and communities

Impact of Your Support

• Higher school attendance
• Improved academic performance
• Greater self‑confidence
• Long‑term empowerment through education

Through targeted educational support, we’re not just providing supplies —
we’re opening doors to opportunity, dignity, and hope for Ethiopia’s most vulnerable children.

🌍 Girls’ Education Programme

Empowering Girls in Rural Ethiopia Through Education and Protection

In the Dodola District of Ethiopia, many girls are forced to leave school due to poverty, unsafe living conditions, and lack of support. IFA’s Girls’ Education Programme helps vulnerable girls — especially orphans — stay in school, stay safe, and build a better future.

What We Provide

1. Education Access

• School fees, uniforms, and learning materials
• Transportation support
• Tutoring and academic assistance

2. Health & Safety

• HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention
• Personal safety training
• Sanitary support and regular health check‑ups
• Safe accommodation options

3. Empowerment & Mentorship

• Local mentors and advisors
• Life‑skills and leadership training
• Career guidance and future planning
• Peer support networks

Our Approach

• Transparent selection of the most vulnerable girls
• Professional programme management and monitoring
• Strong partnerships with local schools and communities
• Sustainable, community‑based implementation
• Full financial transparency

Impact We Aim For

• Higher school enrollment and retention
• Reduced drop‑out rates
• Improved academic performance
• Better health and safety awareness
• Stronger future female leaders

🌟 Second Grant from Grace Impact Strengthens Girls’ Education in Dodola

Thanks to renewed support from Grace Impact gGmbH, IFA is expanding its education programme for orphaned and marginalized girls in the Dodola District (Oromia, Ethiopia).

This second contribution enables 30 high‑achieving primary school graduates to receive:

• Complete educational materials

• School uniforms

• School bags

This continued support helps vulnerable girls transition safely into secondary school and stay on their educational path. Together with Grace Impact gGmbH, we are creating sustainable opportunities for girls’ education and empowerment in rural Ethiopia.

🌍 Future Initiative: Multipurpose Training Centre of Excellence (Planned Project)

Connected with Getaway Skilled Talent

IFA gGmbH is preparing to establish a Multipurpose Training Centre of Excellence in Ethiopia — a future initiative that will begin once funding is secured. The centre will be closely linked with our Getaway Skilled Talent programme, creating a clear pathway for Ethiopian youth and professionals to access training, language preparation, and international employment opportunities.

What the Future Centre Will Offer

• Tailored workforce training for Ethiopia’s labour market

• German language preparation for job seekers

• Vocational Education & Training (VET) with action‑oriented learning

• Modern training facilities equipped with up‑to‑date tools

• Employment pathways for opportunities in Ethiopia and Germany

• Bridging skill gaps by connecting trained talent with employers

Our Vision

This planned initiative reflects IFA’s commitment to:

• Sustainable workforce development

• Ethical and transparent migration pathways

• Strong Ethiopia–Germany collaboration

• Empowering youth with real opportunities

Join Us

IFA is dedicated to creating long‑term impact through skills development, integration, and international cooperation. We welcome partners, supporters, and collaborators who share our mission to build opportunity and strengthen communities.

Together, we can shape a brighter future.

https://www.imove-germany.de/de/kooperationsboerse.htm?id=14142&p=detail&portal=2

🇩🇪 German Ambassador Visits Dodola Community Development Center February 24, 2010

Strengthening Community Development and Ethiopia–Germany Cooperation

On February 24, 2010, IFA welcomed Dr. Claas D. Knoop, the German Ambassador to Ethiopia, at the Dodola Community Development Center. The visit highlighted the importance of grassroots empowerment and long‑standing cooperation between Ethiopian communities and German development partners.

The Dodola Center — supported through dvv international’s Integrated Women Empowerment Project (IWEP) and the KNH Micro Project Fund — serves as a hub for local capacity building and community development.

During the visit, Ambassador Knoop met community members, observed ongoing activities, and held discussions with IFA’s Managing Director, Mr. Gemeda Nure Firo, underscoring the shared commitment to education, inclusion, and sustainable impact.

German Embassy Recommendation