Mission

Connected in Hope is a nonprofit (501c3) social enterprise empowering women and families in Ethiopia to rise above poverty through sustainable income development, improved educational opportunities and increased access to basic health care.

What We Do

Connected in Hope is an innovative, nonprofit social enterprise working in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

We empower vulnerable women by providing training and employment in weaving, sewing, leather crafting, and dyeing. This allows them to earn a sustainable income and lift their families out of extreme poverty.

Our skilled artisans create high quality products, including scarves, baskets and leather bags, which we market here in the United States and Canada. 100% of the profit generated from sales is reinvested in programs that benefit the women and their families.
In addition to employment, our artisans receive business training, literacy classes, and other skill-building programs that help them on their path out of poverty.

We firmly believe education is key to breaking the generational cycle of poverty. Connected in Hope operates a play-based preschool and kindergarten serving the children and grandchildren of our artisans, as well as others from the surrounding neighborhood. Our early childhood education program provides a unique learning opportunity to children in the Shiro Meda community. Small classes allow our certified teachers and loving caregivers to know each child and meet his/her social and cognitive needs. Integrating Ethiopian standards and international best practice, our curriculum combines traditional academic subjects with exploration in art, music, drama and dance. Our students receive free uniforms, supplies, nutritious meals, medical care and social work services.