Wise Up Program is being implemented by Timret Lehiwot Ethiopia in partnership with DKT Ethiopia. One of the components of this program is socio-economic empowerment of sex workers through alterative income generating activity namely forming cooperatives. Currently there are 20 sex workers’ cooperatives in operation throughout Ethiopia. These cooperatives are engaged in various business activities such as food preparation, beauty salon, café, and dry food preparation.

Three (3) representatives from each of the twenty (20) sex workers’ cooperatives from 11 cities including Addis Ababa took part in a two days training. The training believed to strengthen the cooperatives focused on issues relating to entrepreneurship,  cooperative management, cooperative accounts record keeping and life skills. It also had a session where trainers shared their experience as well as a fellowship session that is expected to foster organizational learning and unity among the cooperative members. The training that took place from April 30 to May 1, 2012 at the PanAfric Hotel located in Nazreth (Adama) town attracted fifty nine (59) participants.

The training was given in-house by Mahlet Wondwossen and Bezaye Tadesse Timret Lehiwot Ethiopia Wise Up program’s cooperative expert and project officer respectively.

“ Recreational Area with a Purpose” is the title given to the article featuring the Condomise campaign at the 13th World Congress on Public Health taking place at the Millennium Hall. In the daily bulletin that is issued at the congress the popularity, social and laid back nature of the booth alongside its strong message and available services has been covered in detail.
There are also Azmaris (traditional singers) playing the Masinko and singing educational and witty lyrics alongside the coffee ceremony.
As usual the Wise Up booth inside the exhibition center is the most frequented by participants attracting passerby thanks to its funky set up and gifts available.
Timret Lehiwot Ethiopia’s partner when it comes to music has been Music May Day Ethiopia for the past years. Members of Music May Day Ethiopia dance group were also present at the Condomize campaign showcasing traditional Ethiopian dances to the delight of the participants.

On the second day of the 13th World Congress on Public Health being held at the Millenium hall in Addis Ababa, the Condomize campaign and Wise Up booth are being viewed by hundreds of participants daily. The traditional Coffee Ceremony taking place at the open space in front of the exhibition hall is introducing many to the aromatic Ethiopian Coffee while reminding people to use Condom consistently and correctly.
The Safe and Beautiful campaign which consists of sex workers who have taken courses and engaged in alternative income generating activities is also beautifying the participants by having their hair plated and their nails’ done.
The photo station at the Condomize campaign where people are taking pictures wearing traditional Ethiopian clothes is the most popular destination. So far not less than 200 participants have their pictures taken and got it printed

The much anticipated 13th World Congress on Public Health under the theme “Towards Global Health Equity: Opportunities and Threats” was officially opened Yesterday April 23, 2012. The congress is being attended by high officials and dignitaries from government, non government and business communities from close to 170 countries.
Timret Lehiwot Ethiopia with its partner DKT Ethiopia is also taking part in the congress by having a booth to display its Wise Up program. A coffee ceremony is also taking place on the open air in front of the exhibition and conference hall. Both sites are being viewed by many dignitaries and if you happen to be there please drop by our booth, learn about the program and have sip of traditional Ethiopian Coffee.