World Vision Ethiopia colorfully celebrated its 40 years of service

World Vision Ethiopia celebrated its 40th years of anniversary on December 15, 2015, in Antsokia Gemza district of North Showa zone where it first conducted relief intervention during 1984 famine and saved millions of life.

A journey that began in 1975 with five staff has now emerged into a mature child-wellbeing focused organization. World Vision started from managing a project targeting street children and is one of the biggest humanitarian and development organization in Ethiopia.

This year marks World Vision’s 40 years of service, commitment, dedication and support to the children and communities in Ethiopia. This has been made possible through the expansion of its development work from a few scattered projects to a valued network of area programmes that has benefited an estimated 30 million children and their families. $1 billion has been invested over this period to support relief and development in the country.

Speaking on the occasion Acting Regional Leader of World Vision East Africa Office, Margaret Schuler said, “Working together with the government, donors and other development partners we have achieved remarkable results for communities across the nation, the journey is not complete. Ethiopian children remain vulnerable to the effects of poor health and nutrition, social and gender inequity and the risks of climate change and environmental degradation.”

H.E. Mr. Binalf Andualem, Amhara National Regional State vice President and Educational Bureau Head on his part said, “World Vision came to our area during that difficult time (1984) to save lives and we have a special respect to World Vision.  World Vision Ethiopia contributed a great deal in education, livelihood, and health and environmental protection; and has brought about a meaningful change in the lives of women, children and community members in Amhara Regional State. We are grateful to World Vision’s immense contribution for the last forty years in the region.”

“World Vision Ethiopia has been a significant actor engaged in the implementation of numerous development activities that support the GTP across the country. The strong partnership with communities, government and other agencies has been a key factor in the success of World Vision in Ethiopia over the years. Through these partnerships and programs on the ground, we have been a part of building a sustainable future for the communities and the households it has touched,” said Mr. Sean Kerrigan, Acting National Director for World Vision Ethiopia.  

“Today as we celebrate our 40th anniversary WV reaffirms its continued commitment to support the efforts of the government of Ethiopia. WV looks forward to partnering with all to make Ethiopia a prosperous and developed country.” he further added.

World Vision has close to 300 long-term development programmes, 63 Area Development Programmes (ADPs) and a staffing base of 1,300. The child focused organization also runs programmes in health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, education, child protection, humanitarian emergency (relief and rehabilitation), water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and livelihoods.

Over the past forty years, WV has also built and fostered experience in relief, rehabilitation, community- based development and children’s wellbeing, working with religious institutions, government line offices, World Vision support offices and community groups across Ethiopia.

In collaboration with the government and UNHCR, World Vision Ethiopia also provides livelihood, water, sanitation & hygiene and education services in five refugee camps (South Omo, Borena, Dolo Ado, Tongo and Gambella) with a current combined population of 101,443.