Mission Statement

Victory Community Development Society (VCDS) is a grassroots organization focused on community development and poverty alleviation in rural Ethiopia. VCDS is dedicated to alleviating poverty by empowering the communities of Ethiopia through the education of school aged children, provision of clean and safe water, sustainable living practices, primary health and sanitation.

Our mission is to raise awareness and financial support in Canada while working with the people of rural Ethiopia to better their lives. VCDS ( 823047014 RR0001 ) is a registered charitable organization in Canada. Learn more .

Vision

To see the communities of Yerah & Woldia, Ethiopia being fully self sustainable economically, giving the children the care they deserve and empowering them to realize their dreams.

Our History

Victory Community Development Society (VCDS) was founded in 2003. Born as a response to a need witnessed by Mrs. Zerefa Biru, a Canadian of Ethiopian heritage who visited the remote mountain village of Yerah, Ethiopia and was struck by the need of the local community, particularly the elementary school aged children.

Zerefa and Bisrat in Yerah, Woldia, 2009.
Zerefa and Bisrat in Yerah, Woldia, 2009

This passion continued to grow following her return to Vancouver, BC and inspired her to establish VCDS as a means to do something. In concert with a group of friends she organized the collection and distribution of educational materials to the community of Yerah later that same year. This gifting of materials began a more formalized endeavour.

Timeline & Highlights

2006

A group of Canadians from Metro Vancouver including Mrs. Zerefa Biru visited Yerah bringing generous gifts of clothing, school supplies and desks.

2008

Mrs. Zerefa Biru visits Yerah and distributes school supplies including backpacks and clothing.  VCDS begins supporting children orphaned due to HIV/Aids in the community.

2009

Mrs. Bisrat Libsekal joins Mrs Zerefa Biru and they visit Yerah and the community of Sirinka to distribute donated text books and backpacks, and to visit with the children that VCDS supports. They also present a donation to the District School Authorities: a large amount of text books for the Yerah Elementary and Sanka High Schools. Later that same year VCDS is formally registered as a charitable non-profit organization in Canada.

2010

VCDS introduces a full-time in-country representive post, with the relocation of Zerefa Biru and her husband, Issayas Kidane to Woldia, Ethiopia.

2011

The number of children supported by VCDS increases by 15, bringing the total children supported to 20 children.

2012

VCDS doubles the total number of children receiving sponsorship for a total of 40 children.

2013

In 2013 VCDS  again increased the number of children receiving sponsorship for a total of 60 children.

But the story doesn’t end here. We at VCDS are committed to changing the future of the people of Yerah and the surrounding communities. Each year we expand our programming and outreach to impact the lives of these beautiful people.