2012/08/07 - Hilina Belete
Interview by Suzanne F. Stevens published on http://www.wisdomexchangetv.com / Posted: Aug 7, 2012
Words of wisdom: "Don't be afraid to try, even though you might fail. If you don’t try you will never know where your goal might take you.
HILINA was established in 1998 by her father to undertake the manufacturing and processing of a range of food products specifically designed to combat the various forms of malnutrition and other micronutrient deficiencies affecting children and other vulnerable groups in Ethiopia. When it was initially established, the centre produced Vitamin A enriched sugar as well as iodized salt for UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the general public. Helina Belete rose to the challenge to enter the organization and learn all the elements before taking on her role as Deputy General Manager.
Today, HILINA has experienced significant growth in terms of both size and capital and has continued to install modern machinery and other equipments. HILINA recently established an on-site food laboratory and has transformed itself into a state of the art and comprehensive food production facility. Recently, HILINA has been upgraded to specialize in the production of other nutritious and therapeutic foods for children to address the significant gap in the national food production system.
The Amharic name for Plumpy’Nut® is "Nefis Aden," which literally means "life savor." While some might regard this as an exaggeration, those who have witnessed the beneficial effects of Plumpy’Nut® will attest that it is very much a reality. Plumpy’Nut® is working wonders for severely malnourished children throughout Ethiopia as it is a magic formula and one that we at HILINA are proud to promote. In addition to standing guard for the children of Ethiopia, the fact that 70% of the raw materials required for the production of Plumpy’Nut® are produced locally translates into many positive spin-off effects for the local economy.
Click here to read the transcript and watch the video of the interview in which Hilina Belete talks about her experience as a Deputy General Manager.