On the Ground Update: Impact Across Gondar and Debark

05 May 2026

Across Gondar and Debark in northern Ethiopia, hundreds of vulnerable children and families are receiving the care, nutrition, education, and support they need to build safer, healthier futures.

Thanks to the dedication of our project partner, Yenege Tesfa Integrated Development Humanitarian Organization, the first three months of 2026 have already seen remarkable impact across communities facing poverty, instability, and hardship.

Safe homes. Full stomachs. A sense of belonging.

For children growing up without stable family support, Yenege Tesfa’s group homes provide more than shelter — they provide safety, dignity, and care.

• 84 children received essential food and hygiene supplies
• 86 children received new mattresses, blankets, and bedding
• Caregivers received psychosocial training to better support children experiencing trauma and stress
• Children participated in wellbeing and resilience training designed to strengthen confidence and emotional health

Regular monitoring visits and caregiver meetings also helped ensure children continued to grow up in safe, supportive environments.

Helping children learn and thrive

Education continues to be one of the strongest pathways out of poverty — and this quarter, hundreds of children were supported to stay engaged in learning.

Highlights included:

• 182 students receiving educational sponsorship support
• 68 vulnerable girls supported with both financial assistance and sanitary products to help reduce absenteeism and school dropout
• 424 new textbooks distributed in line with Ethiopia’s updated curriculum
• Life skills and study skills training delivered to 90 students

One inspiring success story came from Asfaw Zemene, a former group home child who graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting after years of support through the program.

His story is a powerful reminder of what long-term investment in children can achieve.

Reaching children beyond the classroom

Not every child has access to formal schooling. That’s why Yenege Tesfa’s Mobile School and Mobile Library programs continue to play such an important role.

These outreach services bring learning directly to children living on the streets or excluded from education.

• 2,855 children participated in Mobile School sessions
• 1,602 children accessed Mobile Library services
• Children also received psychosocial support, life skills activities, and safe spaces for learning and connection

Nutritious meals changing daily life

For many vulnerable children, school meals are essential not only for learning — but for survival.

• 196 street-connected children received daily nutritious meals
• 602 preschool children received breakfast and lunch every school day
• Additional food support was provided to malnourished children and vulnerable patients needing urgent nutritional care

The organisation also made an important long-term investment by preparing enough staple foods, including shiro and pepper, to support children’s nutritional needs for an entire year — helping reduce the impact of rising food prices and shortages.

Healthcare for those who otherwise go without

Access to healthcare remains out of reach for many families in Ethiopia.

Working closely with local health authorities, Yenege Tesfa conducted community health campaigns and expanded free medical support for vulnerable people unable to afford treatment.

• 461 people received healthcare through community health campaigns
• 393 patients accessed free medical treatment
• Additional support included medicine purchases, transport assistance to hospitals, and temporary food support for patients in recovery

Building sustainable futures

Alongside humanitarian support, Yenege Tesfa continues to invest in sustainable income-generating projects that strengthen long-term resilience.

Programs this quarter included:

• Vegetable farming training and seedling distribution for vulnerable single mothers
• Expansion of the sheep breeding project from 52 sheep to 78 sheep
• Dairy and poultry farming initiatives helping generate income to support children’s programs

These projects not only improve household food security and livelihoods — they also help fund ongoing support services for vulnerable children and families.

Looking ahead

Despite ongoing challenges, including severe inflation and rising transport costs caused by fuel shortages, the work continues.

Every meal served, every child supported, every medical appointment made possible, and every opportunity created is helping build stronger futures for vulnerable communities across northern Ethiopia.