Beginning with this issue of Seleda, the Do the Right Thing column will feature (in addition to famine relief organizations), various NGO's in Ethiopia that are providing valuable social and economic services to some of the most disadvantaged sectors of the population in Ethiopia (i.e the vast majority of the population). Our goal is not only to publicize the noble efforts of these organizations, but also to make it easier for you, our readers, to "do the right thing" and support these groups (send them money is what we mean). Of course, for each organization we feature, we will also provide a brief background and, wherever possible, a link to their web page. This will hopefully persuade you that these groups are indeed noble and upstanding organizations with little to no connections to the shady Seleda Mafia.

Okay, now that we have clarified things, this month we start by featuring three organizations that have been doing some amazing work in Ethiopia.

The Integrated Holistic Approach - Urban Development Project (IHA-UDP) is focused on improving conditions in the poorest Qebeles of Addis Abeba. The Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa provides free care and treatment for poor women to treat and prevent childbirth injuries. The Getachew Bolodia Foundation provides fellowships to needy students to study science at the Addis Ababa University. Three organizations providing invaluable assistance in three different areas.

Here is some background information on each: