DRC's Ethiopia Migration Programme Establishes a Youth Recreation Center for Refugees in Addis Ababa

The Gofa Mebrathail Condominium Youth Recreation Center which was established with the collaboration of the Condominium’s Management Committee (GMCMC) and the kind financial assistance of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is intended to create a space for young people to interact, find new sources of support and build a better understanding with one another in their community.

During the inauguration, DRC Ethiopia’s Country Director, Sue Clark also welcomed all the participants with special recognition to all key partners and staff at EMP and the country office who worked tirelessly in laying out the ground work for establishing this center. SG Charlotte also highlighted the significant investment made by the program over the past three and half years, creating platforms to equip young refugees and returnees with pragmatic and meaningful risk mitigation strategies of which they can use during their migration, return and reintegration journey to reduce the risks associated with irregular migration.

During the next few months, DRC’s EMP with the financial support of FCDO and in collaboration with the government will provide all the support needed to fully operationalize the Youth Recreation Center. In addition, EMP will assist the center in organizing and carrying out different community engagement and empowerment activities to foster intercultural understanding and peaceful coexistence within the condominium community as well as increase the sense of community among Eritreans and Ethiopians therein. 

With various corners for recreational activities, the center has been refurbished and furnished with all required amenities by EMP which is now open to the public.