Minister Sean Fleming to visit Ethiopia and Uganda
- Published on: 29 October 2023
- Last updated on: 28 December 2023
Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Sean Fleming, will travel to Ethiopia and Uganda this week (30 October - 3 November) to see the impact of the work of Irish Aid in both countries and meet with government representatives.
Minister Fleming will travel to the Somali Region of Ethiopia to visit projects supported by Irish Aid, including a school and an organisation supporting women’s economic empowerment.
A key focus of Irish Aid’s work in this region is to help girls and women by supporting educational and economic opportunities. Irish Aid’s work supports girls to stay in school, promotes gender equality, and supports economic empowerment of women in the region. While in Ethiopia, Minister Fleming will meet with State Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mesganu Arga.
On Wednesday, Minister Fleming will travel to Uganda, visiting the Karamoja region to meet with some of the 224 young people who are supported by the Irish Bursary programme to attend school there. He will visit a primary school and Vocational Training Institute supported by Irish Aid. Approximately 3,000 students have completed trainings and there have been very positive results in terms of employment and increased income. While in Uganda he will meet with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jeje Odongo.
Minister Fleming said:
“Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the opening of Ireland’s embassies in Ethiopia and Uganda. Throughout that time, Ireland has had a deep and lasting commitment to supporting people in both countries.
“I am particularly looking forward to visiting schools in both countries supported by Ireland. Education was central to Ireland’s development journey. It is vital that young people in Ethiopia and Uganda have access to high quality education. In the Karamoja region of northern Uganda, the Irish Bursary programme supports 224 young people to attend school. Our support for the vocational training centre has allowed thousands of young people gain valuable skills and employment. This is part of Ireland’s commitment to supporting the people furthest behind.”
Minister Fleming will also meet with members of the Irish community in both countries.
Commenting on the impact of the Irish diaspora in Ethiopia and Uganda, Minister Fleming said:
“Ireland’s relationship with both countries stretches back decades to when Irish missionaries first arrived. Today, Irish people are playing important roles across business, development cooperation and cultural exchange.
“The people-to-people links between both countries are growing all the time. Through the Ireland Fellowships Programme, graduates from both countries have travelled to Ireland for further study in our world class third level institutions. I am looking forward to meeting graduates of the Fellows programme to learn how the qualifications gained in Ireland are having a positive impact in their home countries.”