Category Archives: News

Overview News

Celebrating Generosity: A Former Student’s Heartfelt Contribution

24 April 2025 Mariska Braam

Sher Ethiopia School would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to former Sher School student Turri Abu for his generous contribution of school materials to the 10 best performing students of the Sher Elementary School in Ziway.

Turri’s gesture is a remarkable act of kindness and a testament to his lasting connection to our school community. His gift packages, which include a dozen exercise books, pens, a pair of shoes, a school bag, and a uniform, will provide invaluable support to these high-achieving students,

The gift packages were presented during a special handover ceremony. Ato Demelash W/Yohanis, Human Resource Operations Manager at Sher Ethiopia, had the honor of handing over the packages on behalf of the school. In his speech, he expressed deep gratitude for Turri Abu’s continued support, highlighting how his generosity serves as both a reward for hard work and an inspiration for future success.

We sincerely appreciate Turi for remembering his roots and giving back to the school that played a role in his journey. His contribution reflects the true spirit of community and the power of education in shaping future generations.

Thank you, Turi, for your unwavering support and generosity!

 

Overview News

Sher Ethiopia and Batu Town Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025

24 April 2025 Mariska Braam

Sher Ethiopia and Batu Town Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025

Sher Ethiopia flower farm and Batu Town celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 in a big way! Sher Ethiopia focused on the theme “Accelerate Action,” while Batu Town highlighted “Equality and Empowerment for All Women and Girls.” Both events showed how important it is to support women and recognize their hard work.

Sher Ethiopia’s Celebration

At Sher Ethiopia, the event was planned by the company’s gender committee. Important guests attended, including CEO Mr. Freark Bruinsma, Director Mrs. Lulit Tadele, Farm Director Mr. Andrew Brook Smith, and Group CSO Mr. Zeri James. Special guests from the mayor’s office, the Women and Children Affairs office, and community leaders (Hade Sinqe) were also there.

The event celebrated women from different departments, giving them a chance to share their stories and inspire others. A special moment was when hardworking women were recognized and given awards for their achievements.

During his speech, CEO Mr. Freark Bruinsma talked about the company’s promise to support women. He explained how Sher Ethiopia is working to create more opportunities for women and make sure men and women are treated equally at work. The event reminded everyone how valuable women are to the company’s success and encouraged an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Batu Town Women’s Day Celebration

In Batu Town, the Women and Children’s Affairs Office organized a big event to support gender equality and celebrate women’s achievements. People from government offices, businesses, schools, and community groups joined the celebration. Important traditional leaders, such as Hadh Sinke and Aba Geda, were also present.

The event started with a speech from Sofiya Filto, a representative from the Women and Children Affairs Office. She talked about why Women’s Day is important and why we must keep working toward equality. Guest speakers from the Oromia Anti-Corruption Commission and the Batu Town Prosperity Party also spoke. They thanked women for their hard work and said everyone must work together to make sure women have equal chances in life.

A panel discussion took place, where representatives from businesses and the government talked about women’s rights, education, and financial opportunities. They discussed the challenges women face and shared ideas on how to solve them.

At the end of the event, the Women and Children Affairs Bureau gave awards to businesses that support women by providing jobs and helping them earn money. Sher Ethiopia was one of the companies honored with a certificate of recognition for its efforts in empowering women.

Both celebrations in Sher Ethiopia and Batu Town showed how important it is to take action for gender equality. They reminded everyone that when we work together, we can create more opportunities and a fairer world for all women and girls.

Overview News

Sanitary pad supply Initiative for women’s wellbeing

24 April 2025 Mariska Braam

At Sher Ethiopia, we believe that the health, dignity, and well-being of our employees and the communities we serve are fundamental to our success. As part of this commitment, we launched an initiative to provide essential menstrual hygiene products to our female employees and schoolgirls, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to thrive.

A Step Towards Empowerment

Recognizing the challenges   many women and girls face due to lack of access to sanitary products, we introduced a structural plan.

We will distribute disposable sanitary pads to farm employees every month, and reusable sanitary pads every six months.

This initiative reflects our dedication to empowering women and young girls by addressing menstrual hygiene challenges, reducing absenteeism, and promoting overall well-being.

Leadership in Action

The first distribution in January 2025 was led by our senior management team, including Flamingo Group CEO Olivia Streatfeild and Sher Ethiopia Director Lulit Tadele.

During the distribution event, Olivia and Lulit took the opportunity to speak with the schoolgirls, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges. They emphasized the importance of education, self-confidence, and perseverance in shaping a brighter future.

A Positive Impact

The response to this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive. Many beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, highlighting how this support contributes to a healthier, more inclusive environment for all. We are proud to contribute to improving individual well-being and to fostering a stronger, more empowered community.

Overview News

New Ambulance Handover to Sher Hospital

29 November 2024 Mariska Braam
External view of new Sher Hospital ambulance

Recently, Sher Hospital welcomed a brand-new ambulance, handed over in a special ceremony attended by SHER Ethiopia CEO Mr. Freark Bruinsma and COO Mr. Aswin Endeman. Guests of honour were community representative ‘Abageda’ Abdurahman Dekebi, who blessed the event, and Batu/Ziway Health Office Delegate Mr. Feyisa Lenjiso.

In his speech, ‘Abageda’ Abdurahman expressed gratitude to SHER Ethiopia for providing an additional ambulance, emphasizing its positive impact on strengthening the hospital’s community services. Mr. Aswin Endeman thanked everyone who helped bring the ambulance to Ethiopia, with special appreciation to Ethiopian Airlines for supporting its transport. He also acknowledged the SHER Hospital staff for their dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare to both employees and the wider community.

Dr. Demsachew, Medical Director, and Mr. Nura, Hospital Manager, received the ambulance keys on behalf of the hospital. The new ambulance is now ready to support referral needs, emergency calls, and the daily medical services provided by the hospital, benefiting both employees and community members alike.

External view of new Sher Hospital ambulance Front view of Sher Hospital's new emergency vehicleSher Hospital staff receiving keys to new ambulance Medical staff inspecting new Sher Hospital ambulance New ambulance handover ceremony at Sher Hospital

Overview News

Afriflora wins the Dutch Flower Award!

8 November 2024 Mariska Braam
Afriflora representatives with Dutch Flower Award trophy

We are incredibly proud to share that we were named the winner of the Dutch Flower Award in the category of international suppliers during the Trade Fair in Aalsmeer!

In celebration of Dutch Flower Group’s 25th anniversary, this 22nd edition of the Dutch Flower Award focused on ‘long-term partnerships.’ We are honored by this recognition of our longstanding and strong partnership and are proud to celebrate this milestone together.

Congratulations to fellow winners Pico Bello Hortensia (cut flowers category) and Opti-Flor (plants category), and a big thank you to the Dutch Flower Group, Van Dijk Flora, the Floral Connection and our other partners for their recognition and support!

Afriflora's Dutch Flower Award ceremony moment Afriflora team accepting Dutch Flower Award

Overview News

Dutch Flower Foundation donates laboratory machine to Sher Ethiopia Hospital

5 July 2024 Mariska Braam
New laboratory machine installed at a hospital supported by Sher Ethiopia, enhancing medical diagnostic capabilities.

In our efforts to upgrade the services of the Sher Hospital in Batu / Ziway we have recently received a significant donation from Dutch Flower Foundation which was used to buy a fully automated BS-200E chemistry analyser. This device operates with an open system that uses multiple reagents. Now the hospital can buy different types of reagents from local market with fair price and good quality. It can perform multiple tasks: organ function test like renal function tests, liver function tests, electrolyte tests and others. Because it is fully automated, less human intervention is needed. It has a capacity of performing 200 tests per hour.

Laboratory Head, Surafel Kebede, emphasises on quality service delivery which requires not only qualified personnel to perform the tests promptly but also infrastructure like modern laboratory machine. He says: “The laboratory has implemented major improvements over the last two years including room expansion, replacement of old equipment and staff training programs. The new chemistry analyser helps us to improve our services even further.”

After installation and a professional training from the manufacturer for all staff involved, the new machine was put into use.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dutch Flower Foundation on behalf of all employees of the Sher hospital for this generous donation.

At Sher hospital all Sher employees (approx. 12.500) and Sher-students (6.500) get free medical care. Members of the community are served at a low-cost rate. Over 100.000 patients are treated every year.

Dutch Flower Foundation (DFF) aims to improve the living conditions and well-being of people in need and in particular children. Through the activities of DFF, DFG gives substance to its responsibility for the world in which we live.

New laboratory machine installation at Sher Ethiopia Hospital New laboratory machine installed at a hospital supported by Sher Ethiopia, enhancing medical diagnostic capabilities. New laboratory equipment at Sher Ethiopia Hospital

Overview News

Sher employees supported with assistive devices

3 July 2024 Mariska Braam
Sher staff member with new assistive device

At Sher Ethiopia inclusion of employees with disabilities has always been without doubt. Nevertheless, we are grateful that within the DONUTS program of Fairtrade Africa another 70 disabled employees have been supported with devices to enable them to work more comfortable. Making the total beneficiaries 178.

In this project Sher Ethiopia and Fairtrade Africa team up with Gerarbet Rehabilitation Association, located in Ziway, to carry out the measurements for the beneficiaries to determine the kind of device required and the proper fitting of the devices. These include a.o. tricycles, crutches, artificial limbs, eyeglasses, and hearing devices. Recently, these devices have been handed out.

We sincerely thank Fairtrade Africa and the Gerarbet Rehabilitation Association for their great work and support.

Sher Ethiopia staff fitting assistive equipment Employee testing mobility aid at Sher EthiopiaSher staff member with new assistive device Sher employee receiving mobility assistance device

Overview News

Sher Hospital now has digital dental X-ray

23 May 2024 Mariska Braam
Digital dental X-ray equipment at Sher Hospital

Recently, the Dental Clinic has undergone a big renovation. The room now has two dentist chairs making the procedures more efficient. The traditional X-ray machine has been replaced by a portable digital X-ray. Instead of using film, we now use an electronic sensor to take pictures.

Previously, while using traditional X-ray technology, for the development chemicals were needed. Moreover, it took a lot of time and the quality of the images were inferior compared to digital X-ray.

Dr.Netsanet Abebe, dentist: ”I am very happy with this addition to our clinic. The digital X-ray makes perfect images which are available right on demand making our patient flow more efficient.’

Sher Ethiopia continues to invest in its hospital that serves employees, Sher- School students and community members.

Digital X-ray monitor display at Sher Hospital Sher Hospital dental clinic with X-ray equipment Dental staff operating new X-ray system at Sher Hospital Digital dental X-ray equipment at Sher Hospital

Overview News

VACANCY LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

16 May 2024 Mariska Braam
Sher Ethiopia Environmental Manager job posting visual

About Sher Ethiopia

Sher Ethiopia PLC operates the largest rose farm in the world in Ziway, in the vicinity of Lake Ziway. Besides this rose farm which is located 160 kilometres south of  Addis Ababa, Sher Ethiopia also operates two other rose production farms: one in Adami Tulu and one in Koka. The combined greenhouse capacity of Sher Ethiopia amounts to 500 hectares, where more than 1.1 billion roses are produced and exported each year in many varieties and colours. All activities are performed by local employees (currently around 12.000 FTE).  Besides its farm activities, Sher provides education to over 6,800 children at three locations and offers medical services via their own Hospital, located in Ziway.

Our Hospital provides medical services to the wider region and community of Ziway  and does this with a team of more than 150 employees. The hospital operates more than 80 beds, provides professional standard healthcare services and plays an important role in providing information related to family planning and  HIV.

The role

The Sher Hospital is looking for a qualified and experienced LABORATORY TECHNICIAN to strengthen the healthcare team.

He/She is responsible for the accurate and professional execution of clinical testing including specimen processing, test performance and reporting of results. These include routine and specialized clinical laboratory testing.

 

Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Reads procedures fully before performing any tasks. Ensure that SOPs are complete and updated.
  • Conduct all medical laboratory activities [pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical] as assigned, based on developed SOPs and Job Aid
  • Performs daily, weekly and monthly preventive maintenance and registers this in the log
  • Reviews annually the Quality Management System documents
  • Ensures that specimens received for testing have fulfilled acceptance criteria following established SOP
  • Calibrates instruments and performs all routine daily, weekly, monthly and periodic preventive and corrective maintenance and function checks and repairs on instruments and equipment’s following SOP. Documents all maintenance performed on “Instrument Log Sheets”. .
  • Performs instrumentation troubleshooting to correct problems
  • Performs, evaluates and documents quality control data and assure that patient results are not reported when tolerance limits are exceeded; documents quality occurrences in compliance with the quality plan of the laboratory; advises Quality officer of significant quality control/quality assurance issues.
  • Participates or performs EQA samples as assigned
  • Analyses technical problems pertaining to specimen adequacy, laboratory data and instrumentation; determines cause and rectifies problems in accordance with guidelines and SOP
  • Confirms abnormal results and result discrepancies and initiates follow-up to resolve discrepancies
  • Reports and reviews laboratory results according to SOP and report critical (panic) values or unusual results in accordance with established policy.
  • Applies strictly safety precautions as per developed Safety Policies and Procedures and  informs the Safety Officer in cases of  any physical or chemical injuries
  • Ensures the confidentiality of all patient information throughout all phases of laboratory testing
  • Processes specimens for referral testing following established Procedure
  • Generates data, prepares job related documents and records
  • Responds to customer inquiries about laboratory results and adheres to customer service standards of the Sher Hospital laboratory
  • Participates in trainings and training of new employees and other staffs

 

Skills set of the candidate

  • good communicator
  • patience and stress resistant
  • team player

 

Required qualification and experiences

 

Field of study         Qualifications
Laboratory Technician

   

Worker Experience

6 years and above clinical practice at hospital or health center

·       Diploma in Clinical Laboratory

from  recognized university /collage

·       Renewed License

·       Release

·       Original degree

 

 

Due Date to apply: before 25/05/2024

 

How to apply:  Qualified applicants who fulfill above mentioned requirements can apply in sending their application letter and CV in English to gdejene@sherethiopia.com or hrziway@sherethiopia.com

Overview News

Speed bumps to improve road safety Ziway and Adami Tulu

3 May 2024 Mariska Braam
Road safety work near Sher Ethiopia in Adami Tulu

In Ethiopia, our farms are located next to the main road that connects Addis Abeba to Moyale. Despite the fact that the new highway has reduced traffic intensity, unfortunately there are still many traffic accidents. That is why we have been lobbying for some time to implement speed-reducing measures. Last week, the Ethiopian Road Authorities (ERA) have constructed a total of 6 speeds bumps in the vicinity of our farms. We would like to thank the ERA for their cooperation. We hope our employees and the community members are better protected now.

Road safety improvements at Sher Ethiopia location Speed bump construction near Sher Ethiopia Road safety work near Sher Ethiopia in Adami Tulu Speed bump installation in Ziway near Sher Ethiopia