Addis Ababa – A group of 76 people with disabilities has been empowered through specialised training in utilising recycled plastic to make shopping bags and baskets, equipping them with valuable skills to generate income and foster self-reliance.

With the support of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Ethiopia, this initiative offered practical, hands-on training through two 10-day sessions, aiming to help tackle the barriers to employment faced by individuals with disabilities. The training sessions were held at the premises of the Federation of Ethiopian Associations of Persons with Disabilities.

This initiative was built on the momentum of the 2023 “Signs of Success” project, which empowered individuals with hearing impairments through a bamboo crafts training programme.

“We act in ways that aim to help improve people’s lives – whether for our employees, those connected to our business, or the communities we call home,” said Nigus Alemu, Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director at CCBA in Ethiopia.

“People are at the centre of everything we do. Community involvement allows us to bring positive, measurable change to both the communities in which we operate and to our business. Each one of us can make a difference for a better shared future,” Alemu said.

“We are committed to helping create shared value for our business and the communities we serve,” Alemu concluded.