Derash Shelter Project is HEINEKEN Ethiopia’s annual social impact initiative launched in 2019. The project aims to sustainably improve the lives of selected Addis Ababa residents living in slum areas by providing safe and decent housing. 

Our company is founded on fairness, human connection, care for people, and the joy of bringing people together. In line with these values, we have named our project ‘Derash’ – an Amharic term that signifies “being there in times of need.” 

Since the inception of the project, we’ve contributed more than 115 new homes, offering sanctuary to over 600 residents in the heart of Addis Ababa’s Lideta, Kechene, Kirkos, and Akaki Kaliti sub-cities. Prior to this initiative, these individuals resided in precarious and informal settlements, lacking access to essential amenities such as a proper sewer system or toilets. Their living conditions were confined to a single room, shared among extended family members.

HEINEKEN’s Brew A Better World 2030 strategy guides all our social impact projects to do our parts in supporting an inclusive, fair, and equitable world.