In celebration of the completion and inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) visited the Makedonia Humanitarian Association and donated more than 2.9 million Birr as part of a meal-sharing initiative.
The event was attended by EEP’s CEO, Eng. Ashebir Balcha, members of the management team, and Makedonia’s founder, Biniam Belete.
Eng. Ashebir emphasized that beyond building large-scale power infrastructure for the nation, EEP remains committed to fulfilling its social responsibility through initiatives across the country. He noted that EEP has a long-standing history of supporting Makedonia and reaffirmed that the company will continue to strengthen this support, including mobilizing its employees for future contributions.
He also highlighted the vital role of organizations like Makedonia, which provide hope and care for elderly citizens and individuals with mental illnesses who lack family or community support. He stressed that assisting such institutions should be the collective responsibility of all Ethiopians, not only one organization.
Makedonia’s founder, Biniam Belete, explained that the association operates without foreign funding, spending over 2.5 million Birr daily to care for more than 8,500 elderly people and individuals with mental illnesses across 52 branches. He added that in addition to its direct contributions, EEP has coordinated support from contractors such as WeBuild, further strengthening assistance to the center.
Biniam noted that Makedonia is currently constructing over 15 residential buildings in Addis Ababa and regional cities, with the goal of expanding its branches to 250 nationwide. He appealed to EEP to continue its support to help achieve this vision.
Residents of the center expressed deep gratitude to EEP for its donation and meal-sharing initiative, assuring that contributions are used effectively.
EEP’s management team toured the center to observe ongoing work. It was also announced that September 8 will henceforth be commemorated annually as the “Ethiopian Electric Power Human-Centered Support to Makedonia Day.”
Operating under the motto “To help a person, it is enough to be a human,” Makedonia is currently building a 15-story modern hospital and residential facility at its main center in Addis Ababa.
