Our History

  • 1978

    Establishment of The Relief Society of Tigray (REST) in May 1978

  • 1984/85

    Responding to the famine, supporting more than 200,000 affected by the grate famine of 1984/85 in north Ethiopia, mainly through cross-boarder operation (in Sudan and Tigray) to save lives. REST also supported repatriation and rehabilitation of more than 160,000 people

  • 1991

    REST registered as non-governmental organization (July 31, 1991)

  • 1993

    • REST starts working directly with USAID, making it the first local NGO in Ethiopia to receive grants from USAID
    • REST pioneered rural finance services in Tigray by establishing REST Credit Schemes in Tigray (RCST) which later developed to DECSI

  • 1995

    REST moved from annual planning approach to multi-year strategic planning approach. Developed its 1st 5 years strategic plan (FY1995-2000). REST shifted from relief and rehabilitation to Development interventions

  • 1998/2000

    In the aftermath of the Ethio-Eritrean Boarder Conflict, REST started initiatives to support economic recovery of people along the boarder (through Boarder Development Program) and promote community-based peace building (in Tigray and Afar), in collaboration with Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA)

  • Nov 2020 onwards

    REST again shifted towards Humanitarian Response and Early Recovery in the aftermath of the armed conflict in Tigray

Empowering rural communities in Tigray through sustainable development projects and lifesaving humanitarian aid.

The Relief Society of Tigray has been working with and for the people of Tigray since 1978, promoting and enabling self-reliant, sustainable development in the region, with a particular focus on subsistent and semi-subsistent smallholder agricultural households and communities.

est.

1978

More than 4 decades of expertise

100

%

Completed projects

Our Mission, Vision & Strategy

Our Mission

To play a central role in transforming the social economy and livelihood basis in Tigray, increasing resilience, sustainability, climate change adaptation, and income, stimulating wider economic dynamism and growth for the future.

Our Vision

A future where all people enjoy security, well-being, human rights, and equitable access to a decent standard of living, development opportunities and benefits.

Our Strategy

• SO1: People's survival maintained and basic needs (food, WASH, protection, shelter and NFI) met
• SO2: Health and nutritional status of household members improved
• SO3: Protection and survivor support response for armed conflict affected children, women, and adolescent girls strengthened
• SO4:Household livelihoods restored and improved, resilience strengthened, local economy expanded
• SO5: Natural Resource base and soil, water and vegetation infrastructures restored and developed, promoting sustainable livelihoods
• SO6: Local service delivery systems and functions restored

Our Governance

Our Governance brings a wealth of experience and a shared vision to the table, ensuring strategic direction and effective execution of our mission.

We encourage you to explore the detailed biographies of our leadership team.

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Be the Change: Get Updates on Our Humanitarian Efforts

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