Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development - ECDD

On November 17, 2023, ECDD and ‘Bahir Dar University’ signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the university’s 'Tibeb Building Hall' to implement a project named EMPOWER that will work on disability inclusion and accessible educational services for students with disabilities. With the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Finland and the National Union of University Students in Finland ( ), project will be implemented at the university for the next 48 months.

Kefyalew Ketema is a graduate in Governance and Development Studies. He has been looking for a job for more than a year, but as Kefyalew explained, organizations tend not to hire persons with disabilities because they mistrust their abilities.

The USAID - US Agency for International Development PRIDE project initiated an internship program for graduates with disabilities to gain hands-on organizational experience. It also creates awareness about perceptions of the persons with different abilities.

With USAID support, Kefyalew is now attending a three-month internship program at the Mayor’s office in Holeta. He practiced “Governance and Developmental studies” to show his capability.

“The internship provided me with hands-on experience. I have a full picture of the duties and responsibilities of being a professional in governance and developmental studies. Now I know how to find a job and am looking for work,” said Kefyalew.

On October 13, 2023, ECDD and ‘Wolaita S**o University’ signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the university’s main campus to implement a project named EMPOWER that will work on disability inclusion and accessible educational services for students with disabilities. With the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Finland and the National Union of University Students in Finland ( ), project will be implemented at the university for the next 48 months.

95 Persons with Disabilities graduated from ‘Jigjiga’ Polytechnic College( ) and two Community-Based Training (CBT) Centers in ‘Kebribeyah’ towns.
The Executive Director of ECDD, Dr. Getahun Semeon, welcomed participants and invited guests and congratulated the graduates. The Graduation ceremony was honored by the representatives of International Labour Organizations ( ) in Ethiopia.
Graduates were trained in metalwork, woodwork, garment and beautification for two and three months depend on the field of the training. The training aimed to equip trainees with the essential soft-skills necessary to secure acquired valuable knowledge and abilities to ensure they are job-ready.
ENHANCE project will continue to provide startup kits and technical support for the graduates in income generating activities that gradually enables them to be self-employed.
The Graduation ceremony was held at ‘Jigjiga Polytechnic College’ ( ) on September 21, 2023. ECDD-ENHANCE project has been funded by the since 2022.

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Happy Ethiopian New Year 2016!

Ninety-five Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons with Disabilities received hard and soft skills training at ‘Jigjiga Polytechnic College’ in August 2023.
ENHANCE Project provided hard and soft skills training for two months for 95 refugees and internally displaced persons with disabilities. The training was provided for two months (June-July 2023) at ‘Jigjiga Polytechnic College’ and two Community-Based Training (CBT) Centers in ‘Kebribeyah’ town of Somali Regional State. The training is believed to have equipped persons with disabilities to develop a strong foundation of technical expertise in their chosen woodwork, metalwork, beautification, and tailoring fields. ENHANCE project has been implemented by and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands through the International Labour Organization( ).

Traffic Police Members Trained in Sign Language: Advancing Disability Voices, Advocating Rights and National Coordination in Ethiopia (ADVANCE) Project of provided ‘Basic Ethiopian Sign Language Training’ to Traffic Police Members Addis Ababa.
16 Traffic Police Officers (15 females and 1 male) participated in the ten-day training from June 7-21, 2023 at the ‘Ethiopian National Association of the Blind meeting hall.
The basic Ethiopian Sign Language Training for traffic police officers provides numerous advantages including inclusive effective emergency response, equal treatment under the law, improve traffic safety, enhance enforcement capabilities, increase trust and cooperation, and positive community perception.
At the closing ceremony of the training, trainees introduced themselves, performed short plays, and shared experiences on the stage using Ethiopian Sign Language.
Advancing Disability Voices, Advocating Rights, and National Coordination in Ethiopia ( ) project is financially supported by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission( ). The project commenced in 2022 and will continue up until December 31st, 2025.

"ECDD - EMPOWER Project Activities in Higher Institutions of Ethiopia "

"ECDD - EMPOWER Project Activities in Higher Institutions of Ethiopia " "ECDD - EMPOWER Project Activities in Higher Institutions of Ethiopia"

Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development ( ) in Collaboration with The International Labour Organization ( ), Opening Ceremony of the Enhance project short skill- training (two months) program for 80 persons with disabilities (among refugees, IDPs, and host communities) from the ‘Qoloji’ and ‘Kebribeyah’ areas of Somali region conducted today, June 24, 2023, at ‘Jigjiga Polytechnic College’ ( ), in ‘Jigjiga’ City.
The JPTC dean, the project steering committee members, representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), the Deputy program director of together with the project staff and the skills trainees with disabilities attended the program. Provision of assistive devices (Cane, crutch, metal stick, hearing aids, and others) was provided to the short-skills training participant with disabilities. The participant has also visited the accessibility modification activities which have been conducted by the project in the college with the aim to make it a center of excellence in the provision of disability-mainstreamed technical and vocational skills training college in Ethiopia.

‘One-Stop Center’ has been inaugurated at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Debre Markos town on June 18,2023 in the presence of government officials from Regional & Debre Markos City Bureaus of Women, Children and Social Affairs, the management of Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Health Bureaus as well as Debre Markos City Administration. contributed in the establishment of One-Stop Center through provision of medical equipment’s (like Speculum, Pulse Oximetry, Anatomical Dolls, Delivery coach, stretcher. . .) and office materials including CCTV camera with a total cost of 650,000. The financial support was provided through a project entitled “Every Life Matters( )” which is funded by Foundation.
The One-Stop Center will benefit victims of Gender-Based Violence especially persons with disabilities who are the most vulnerable groups by providing comprehensive package of services consisting of medical care, Psychological and legal support for survivors of sexual abuse. The One-Stop Center also serves as a safe and supportive environment for the survivors, where they can access confidential and non-judgmental care at one location which reduces the risk of re-traumatization and improve outcome. The establishment of the One-Stop Center enhances collaboration and synergies among multiple stakeholders in coordinating collective and individual strategies to strengthen the protection of women against sexual and gender-based violence in Debre Markos city and surrounding areas.

The ECDD-Skills Project conducted "Work Integrated Soft Skills and Employability (WISE)" training for 52 TVET graduates with disabilities in ‘Kombolcha’ and Woldia towns. The training in Kombolcha was held on June 3 and 4, 2023, at ‘ Polytechnic College’ and from June 7-8, 2023, at ‘ ’ Polytechnic College, in ‘Woldia’ Town. The ECDD-SKILLS Project has been funded by the Christian Blind Mission( ).

The ECDD- Skills Project provided "Disability Inclusion Awareness Training" for 17 government stakeholders and representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities in ‘ ’ Town from June 9–10, 2023. The training aims to raise awareness of disability issues and promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society. The -SKILLS Project has been funded by the Christian Blind Mission( ).

The ECDD-ENHANCE Project conducted ‘Jigjiga Polytechnic College's Disability Accessibility Modification Site Handover’ to the contractor on May 11, 2023, in ‘ ’ Town. The accessibility modifications will eliminate the physical barriers in the college that enable trainees with disabilities to attend the skills training successfully. The ECDD-ENHANCE Project has been funded by the International Labor Organization ( ).

750 Youth with Disabilities graduated from Technical, Vocational Education and Training ( ) and Community-Based Training (CBT) Centers from 13 towns & cities of Ethiopia with support from USAID’s Promoting Rights and Inclusion for Disability Empowerment (PRIDE) Project. The Executive Director of ECDD, Dr. Getahun Semeon, welcomed the dignitaries, and other invited guests and congratulated the graduates. The Graduation ceremony was officiated by the United States Agency for International Development ( )/Ethiopia Deputy Mission Director Timothy Stein.
Graduates were trained in metalwork, woodwork, garment manufacturing, electronics maintenance, leather production, food preparation, hotel management, hairdressing, and agro-processing. PRIDE will continue to provide financial and technical support for the graduates to start to generate income that gradually enables them to be self-employed.
The Graduation ceremony was held at ‘Bole Manufacturing College( )’ in Addis Ababa on May 30, 2023. ECDD-PRIDE project has been funded by the since 2021.

ECDD - Organizational Effectiveness (OE)Project conducted an activity of ‘Project Cycle and Grant Management Training’ for 34 trainees from May 16-19, 2023 at ‘Ethiopian Red Cross Society Training Institute’(ERCS-TI) in Addis Ababa.
29 of the trainees are from staff project coordinators, regional program managers, and ECDD Academy. Five trainees are from other partner organizations. The training enables the trainees to strengthen their knowledge and skills. The training also helps the trainees better manage budgets, and ensure that grant requirements are met more efficiently and effectively. The ECDD-DI SRHR project has been funded by the ‘David and Lucile ’.

Our Deputy Mission Director Timothy Stein officiated at a graduation ceremony for over 700 young Ethiopian students with disabilities.

These new graduates hail from 13 towns and cities across Ethiopia and completed full courses from their local technical colleges and community-based training centers with support from USAID’s $1.1 million Promoting Rights and Inclusion for Disability Empowerment (PRIDE) activity.

Following the graduation, the USAID - US Agency for International Development PRIDE project will continue providing technical and financial assistance for the graduates to set up their own enterprises.
Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development - ECDD

The training aims to increase awareness about disability issues and promote inclusion in the workplace, EQIEP-II Project provided "Disability Inclusion Awareness Training (DIAT)’ for 35 personnel of Arba Minch College of Teacher’s Education from May 8–9, 2023, in ‘ City'. The ECDD EQIEP-II project has been funded by the Christian Blind Mission ( ).

ECDD-EQIEP II Project held an activity of training "Identification and Referral Linkages" for 15 participants, including representatives of ‘Selam Ber Primary School’, different religious leaders, health extension workers, and social workers. The training was conducted from May 5–6, 2023, at ‘Welkitie Polytechnic College’ in ‘ Town'. The training supports positive social interactions, builds community involvement, and minimizes barriers to the teaching-learning process. The ECDD-EQIEP-II project has been funded by the Christian Blind Mission ( ).

ECDD EQIEP-II Project conducted a piece of training on ‘Student-Centered Classroom Management, Continuous Assessment Skill, and Teaching Process’ for 13 teachers from ‘Selam Ber Primary School’ at ‘Welkitie Polytechnic College’ in ‘ Town’ from May 5–6, 2023.The student-centered approach to classroom management empowers students by giving them choice and autonomy in their own learning. Implementing continuous assessment skills in the classroom enables teachers to engage in constructive and targeted student evaluation, which helps promote better student learning outcomes and improves overall teaching effectiveness. ECDD-EQIEP-II project has been funded by the Christian Blind Mission ( ).

ECDD-EQIEP-II Project held an activity of ‘Disability Inclusion Awareness Raising Training’ for 15 caregivers and parents of children with disabilities at ‘Welkitie Polytechnic College’ in ‘ ’ Town from May 3-4.2023. Increasing disability inclusion awareness for parents and caregivers can provide the necessary support and resources needed for individuals with disabilities and create a more inclusive and empathetic society. ECDD-EQIEP-II project has been funded by the Christian Blind Mission ( ).

The ECDD-EQIEP-II Project conducted an activity of training on ‘Importance and Practice of Inclusive Education’ for 15 participants from ‘Welkitie’ Zone, ‘Selam Ber’ Primary School teachers, and other stakeholders from May 3–4, 2023, in ‘ ’ Town. Disability-inclusive education is a critical aspect of ensuring that all children have access to quality education and fosters understanding within wider society. The -EQIEP-II project has been funded by Christian Blind Mission ( ).

This is a video production about the impact of 'Every Life Matters (ELM/SRH & Eye Care)' project in 'Debre Markos town' and surrounding areas.

Ecdd ELM File This is a video production about the impact of Every Life Matters (ELM/SRH & Eye Care) project in Debre Markos town and surrounding woredas.

ECDD together with its partners Volontariato Internazionale Per Lo Sviluppo( ), Italia ONLUS e CBM, Cooperativa Sociale Albergo Etico and Salesians of Don Bosco launched a project entitled ‘I-LEAD’: Promoting Job Employment through Accessible Education and Digitalization on April 01, 2023 at ‘Robi Hotel’ in ‘Adama’ City. The multi-stakeholders project, ‘I-LEAD’, aimed at achieving an “equitable and inclusive governance, strengthening equity in access to TVET, labor market opportunities and social inclusion of persons with disabilities, in Addis Ababa City, Oromia Region and Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region.
Funded by Italian Agency for Development Cooperation( ), I-LEAD, is a 3 years project.

Are you interested in participating in the USAID/Ethiopia photo contest and winning a prize?

For Women’s History Month, USAID/Ethiopia announces ‘Women in Action’ online photo contest. Capture women in Ethiopia being incredible as mothers, teachers, scientists, farmers, health care workers, athletes, artists, leaders, and more!

Winners will be selected based on ‘the story’ shown by the picture, as well as for clarity, composition and originality. Submit one photo on or before March 24, 2023 by 5:00 pm, EAT to [email protected].

For detailed information about contest rules and prizes, check out the submission guidelines: https://bit.ly/3Lhp0Bb

ECDD facilitated a panel discussion on 15 March, 2023’ at Washington Hotel in Addis Ababa in the presence of government representatives, partner CSOs and media professionals on Advocacy Campaign of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Panelists and participants shared their professional expertise on how to better facilitate the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of life in the society.

The Panel Discussion is an activity of project entitled ‘Enhanced Coordination and Networking among Disability Inclusion Stakeholders to Promote Disability Rights’ and which has been funded by British Council, Irish Aid, UK Aid, Embassy of Sweden and Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Program of Civil Society Support Program Phase Two (CSSP II).

USAID integrated youth activity – kefeta has been provided 10 days basic Ethiopian Sign Language training for 40 Kefeta Youth Friendly Health Service providers working in kefeta service outlets found in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Dire Dawa, and Bahir Dar project target cities. The basic sign language training in Hawassa was held in January 2023 and the rest trainings in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, and Bahir Dar target cities were conducted in February 2023. Kefeta project has been funded by .

ECDD-ENHANCE project conducted ‘Disability Inclusion and Awareness Training ( )’ for ‘Jigjiga Polytechnic College’ personnel from Jan.24-25, 2023 in ‘ City’, Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. ECDD-ENHANCE project has been funded by International Labor Organization ( ).