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 Facilitator for Change (FC), in partnership with Kindernothilfe (KNH), officially launched the Birmadu Folle-II Integrated Community Development Project (BF-II ICDP), second phase through a collaborative workshop held at Waliso town of Oromia Regional state. The event gathered key stakeholders from local government offices, community structures, schools, and child-focused institutions to align efforts and jointly commit to creating safe, inclusive, and protective environments for children in the two targeted districts. The BF-II ICDP is a five-year project (March 15, 2025 – December 31, 2029) implemented in the Tole and Illu districts of the South West Shewa Zone, Oromia. This expansion phase builds on the previous achievements of the Birmadu Folle-II first phase project. It focuses on the well-being, protection, and inclusive development of vulnerable children — particularly those out of school, living with disabilities, or at risk of economic exploitation. Project Overview General Objective: To ensure that children live and learn in a safe and friendly environment across the target communities.   Beneficiaries:   Primary school children: 10,270 Economically exploited out-of-school children: 200 Children with disabilities: 100 Pre-school (ECE) children: 400 Total Direct Beneficiaries: 10,920 (5,460 male and 5,460 female)   Project Budget The total budget for the project is ETB 61,327,377.00, of which: ETB 49,857,140.00 is allocated for direct project implementation. ETB 11,470,236.05 is allocated for administrative costs This investment, supported by Kindernothilfe (KNH) – a German-based child rights organization – is expected to significantly enhance child well-being and protection mechanisms in the intervention areas. Workshop Highlights: Orientation on Project Scope: The workshop detailed the objectives, target groups, and expected outcomes of the BF-II ICDP. Community-Based Approach: Emphasis was placed on child participation, community ownership, and integrating local resources into the intervention strategy. Key Focus Areas: Strengthening child protection systems, improving early childhood and primary education quality, and promoting inclusive development through child and youth participation. Stakeholder Commitment: Sector offices, school representatives, and community leaders expressed strong support and pledged collaboration throughout the project’s life span.

In a significant step toward strengthening protection and inclusion, staff from FC Headquarters and all project offices came together for a collaborative discussion focusing on the safeguarding of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) — with particular attention to Children with Disabilities (CWDs) — and the review of the Draft Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy. The session aimed to deepen staff understanding of disability-inclusive safeguarding practices, encourage critical reflection on current organizational approaches, and gather input to ensure that the PSEA policy reflects the diverse needs of the communities FC serves. During the meeting, participants: Shared insights and experiences from their respective project contexts Reflected on the increased vulnerabilities of children with disabilities Identified practical steps to strengthen inclusive safeguarding mechanisms Reviewed the Draft PSEA Policy with a focus on clarity, accountability, and accessibility The discussion emphasized the importance of collaborative action, inclusive policy development, and ongoing capacity-building to ensure that safeguarding standards are not only met but truly inclusive of every child, regardless of ability. This initiative reflects FC’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all children and ensuring that our programs are safe, inclusive, and aligned with global safeguarding and disability inclusion standards. Together, we are building a stronger, more accountable system of protection — for every child.

FC Provides psychosocial support to persons with disabilities FC, in partnership with universities, has been providing psychosocial support to persons with disabilities, helping them overcome barriers and build their mental resilience. This enabled them to actively participate in community structures and join various social and cultural groups, such as self-help and village-level associations.  Life skill Training FC has been providing life skills training to people with disabilities, enabling them to identify their needs, assess their capabilities, and choose suitable businesses aligned with their abilities and local market demands. The life skill training boosted their confidence, helping them overcome bad feelings.  Need-based business skill training FC has been providing need-based business skill training to persons with disabilities and families of children with disabilities, focusing on entrepreneurship and vocational skills. As a result, they have successfully engaged in various income-generating activities, both individually and in groups, primarily through self-employment. Provision of assistive devices FC collaborated with stakeholders to enhance accessibility and reduce barriers for persons with disabilities by providing assistive devices. These efforts have empowered PWD’s to improve mobility, pursue education, and engage in livelihood activities.  Startup capital FC provided startup capital to persons with disabilities and families of children with disabilities to address barriers in accessing financial services and livelihood opportunities. This support enabled them to start income-generating activities and enhance their participation in community and economic structures, fostering empowerment and self-reliance. Facilitating Advocacy workshop FC has been facilitating advocacy workshops with stakeholders, including MFIs, OPDs, and TVETs, leading to the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to promote inclusive services for persons with disabilities. These agreements resulted in budget allocations to adapt services and products to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.  Thanks to all our stakeholders, especially Light for the World, for making it possible to reach this milestone in empowering persons with disabilities.

Jimma Zone, Oromia National Regional State, June 1, 2024 – Today marks the official launch of the Sheneni Integrated Community Development Consolidation Phase (Phase III) Project, a critical initiative aimed at further enhancing the lives of children and communities in Seka and Mana Woredas of Jimma Zone.   Building on the success of the previous phases, Phase III of the Sheneni Integrated Community Development Project will continue to focus on creating a child-friendly environment and improving the socioeconomic conditions of the local population. This phase is especially significant as it consolidates previous efforts, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting benefits for the community.   The project, generously funded by Kindernothilfe (KNH) with a total budget of 36,294,630.84, will be implemented over the next five years, from April 2024 to March 2029. Phase III of the project has been developed based on the findings phase II project and recommendations provided by the stakeholders, and communities. The Sheneni Integrated Community Development Project will work closely with community-based organizations (CBOs), smallholder farmers, women, children, schools, and other stakeholders in the project area. By engaging these groups, the project aims to achieve its objectives through a collaborative and inclusive approach.   Phase III will focus on consolidating gains from previous phases by enhancing community participation, improving access to essential services, and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities. The emphasis will be on ensuring that the benefits of the project are deeply rooted in the community, leading to continuing positive changes.   During the launch event, representatives from local government, community and children representatives, and partner organizations expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to the project’s goals. The project is expected to bring about significant positive changes, including better access to quality education, Social and Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable women, Promotion of children’s Rights, House Hold Food Security and Market Promotion, and enhanced economic opportunities for families.   As Phase III begins, the Sheneni Integrated Community Development Project looks forward to furthering its objective of creating a brighter, more sustainable future for children and their communities.