We are excited to introduce the refreshed logo of Collaborative Development Organization (CDO)! This change grew out of the organisational capacity-building support we received from Amref Health Africa. The process gave us a valuable opportunity to look at our organisation, reflect on our Vision, Mission and Core Values, and think about how our logo could better tell our story. We wanted a logo that speaks to the people we work with and the values that guide us every day. The three human figures represent the people at the heart of our work, particularly children, women and young people. The colours and surrounding shapes reflect unity, hope, growth and our shared responsibility to build stronger, more inclusive communities. For us, this is more than a change in appearance. It is a reminder of why CDO exists and what we hope to achieve together with the communities we serve. We warmly thank Amref Health Africa for its support in helping us take this step towards a stronger organisational identity. Our logo has changed, but our purpose remains the same: working alongside communities to create opportunities, strengthen resilience and build a better future together. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our participation in the 5th CSOs Week at the Addis International Convention Center. Under the theme "Self-Reliance – For Sustainable Peace and Inclusive Development," CDO showcased its impactful work, strengthened strategic partnerships, and gained invaluable insights to enhance our community service.A major highlight was the honor of receiving a certificate of recognition from H.E. Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs—a milestone that reaffirms our dedication to building a resilient future. Thank you to the organizers, WHH and everyone who visited our booth for making this event a resounding success!

On January 16, 2026, in Jebwuha, local leadership continued to play a central role in advancing sustainable peace. We are strengthening thirty Resource Management Committees to support the peaceful sharing of pasture and water resources between Oromo and Amhara communities.As part of this initiative, committee members are being trained to implement Conflict Early Warning Systems, enabling them to identify emerging tensions early and resolve disputes before they escalate into violence. By empowering local leaders to manage resources collaboratively and fairly, we are helping build lasting mechanisms for stability, trust, and long-term coexistence. Through these committees, communities are learning that shared resources can become a foundation for cooperation rather than conflict.

On February 18, 2026, we successfully conducted the Project Closure Workshop, bringing together stakeholders, community representatives, and local leaders. The workshop reflected on the achievements, lessons learned, and impact of our peacebuilding and social cohesion interventions.Participants highlighted progress in strengthening dialogue, collaborative resource management, and trust between communities. The event also reinforced local commitment to sustaining peaceful coexistence and resilient communities.

On February 3, 2026, we concluded our quarterly review of the peacebuilding project in Jebwuha, assessing progress in strengthening social cohesion between Oromo and Amhara communities. The review focused on addressing key drivers of tension, particularly competition over pasture and water resources.By analyzing the work of thirty Resource Management Committees and monitoring the Conflict Early Warning System, we have refined our strategies to proactively prevent disputes and promote mutual respect and collaboration. The review highlights measurable progress in deconstructing long-standing grievances and strengthening community resilience. This evaluation reaffirms that consistent engagement, inclusive dialogue, and strong local leadership are essential for building sustainable peace and lasting harmony.

Sustainable peace requires consistent and structured engagement.On January 15, 2026, in Jebwuha, we organized a monthly dialogue session bringing together representatives from communities prone to conflict. The session focused on addressing ethnic-based competition over pasture and water resources between Oromo and Amhara communities. These dialogues provide a safe space for community members to express grievances, share perspectives, and negotiate solutions before disputes escalate into larger conflicts. By emphasizing shared responsibilities and collective resource management, the sessions are helping transform historical divides into opportunities for reconciliation, trust, and stability. Peace is built one conversation at a time, and these ongoing monthly dialogues are laying the foundation for lasting inter-community harmony.

Building peace starts with community-led action.From December 29, 2025 to January 15, 2026, in Jebwuha, we conducted three social cohesion campaigns aimed at addressing tensions between Oromo and Amhara communities over shared pasture and water resources. These campaigns created spaces for community members to identify the underlying drivers of conflict, engage in constructive dialogue, and explore collaborative solutions. By focusing on shared livelihoods, participants are learning to prioritize cooperation over competition—helping to strengthen relationships and foster a more peaceful community environment. Together, communities are transforming long-standing disputes into opportunities for mutual understanding, trust, and collective development.

Bridging divides for a sustainable future.From January 1–2, 2026, in Jebwuha, a specialized training program was successfully delivered to ninety local leaders on conflict resolution and peacebuilding skills. The training addressed the root causes of regional tensions, particularly competition over pasture and water resources between Oromo and Amhara communities, and strengthened participants’ capacity to promote dialogue, mediation, and peaceful coexistence. Through ongoing coaching and mentoring, local leaders are not only learning to manage conflicts—they are being equipped to deconstruct long-standing grievances, facilitate inclusive dialogue, and build a foundation of mutual respect and cooperation between communities. By strengthening the capacity of these leaders, the initiative is helping to create sustainable mechanisms for peace that will benefit generations to come.

ሲዲኦ /CDO/ ግብረ ሰናይ ድርጅት በወረዳውና በክፍለ ከተማው በጤናው ዘርፍ ያከናወናቸው ስራዎች ላይ ከባለ ድርሻ አጋር አካላት ጋር የልምድ ልውውጥ ማካሄድ ጀመረ። ጫጫ፤ ታህሳስ 15 ቀን 2018 ዓ.ም (አጠመኮጉ)፦ ሲዲኦ /CDO/ ግብረ ሰናይ ድርጅት በወረዳውና በክፍለ ከተማው በጤናው ዘርፍ ያከናወናቸው ስራዎች ላይ ከባለ ድርሻ አጋር አካላት ጋር የልምድ ልውውጥ ማካሄድ ጀምሯል። Collaborative Development organization /CDO/ የተባለው ልማታዊ ግብረ ሰናይ ድርጅት በአንጎለላና ጠራ ወረዳ ኮቱ እና በደብረ ብርሃን ሪጂኦ ፖሊታን ከተማ አስተዳደር ጫጫ ክፍለ ከተማ ባሉ ሁለት ጤና ጣቢያዎች የጤና አገልግሎት አሰጣጥ ለማሻሻል ማህበራዊ ኃላፊነትን /ተጠያቂነትን መወጣት ላይ አተኩሮ ይሰራል፤ በዚህ ልምድ ልውውጥ ግብረ ሰናይ ድርጅቱ ከጤና ጽ/ቤቶቹ ጋር በመተባበር ያለፈውን አንድ ዓመት በተቌማቱ ከመንግስትና ከማህበረሰቡ ጋር በቅንጅት ያከናወናቸውን ተግባራት ሌሎች ግብረ ሰናይ ድርጅቶችንና የመንግስት አካላትን በመጋበዝ የትውውቅ እና የውይይት መድረክ በዛሬው ዕለት በማካሄድ ጀምሯል። በዛሬው ዕለትም የድርጅቱ ዳይሬክተር ወ/ሮ ሰላማዊት ሞገስ የአንድ ዓመት አፈፃፀም ሪፖርት አቅርበው ከአጋር አካላቱ ጋር ውይይት ተካሂዷል።በነገው ዕለትም ተጋባዥ ባለድርሻ አካላቱ በመስክ ተገኝተው በተግባር የተሰሩ ተግባራትን በመጎብኘት ልምድ ልውውጡ እንዲካሄድ እንደሚደረግ ተገልፆል።

ጤና ጣቢያዎቹ አገልግሎት አሠጣጣቸውን እንዲያሻሽሉ በመደረጉ ተጠቃሚ መሆን ችለናል ሲሉ ነዋሪዎች ገለፁ። ጫጫ፤ ታህሳስ 17 ቀን 2018 ዓ.ም (አጠወመኮ)፦ \"ጤና ጣቢያዎቹ አገልግሎት አሠጣጣቸውን እንዲያሻሽሉ በመደረጉ ተጠቃሚ መሆን ችለናል ሲሉ ነዋሪዎች ገለፁ። በአማራ ብሔራዊ ክልላዊ መንግስት ሰሜን ሸዋ ዞን አንጎለላና ጠራ ወረዳ የኮቱ ከተማ እና በደብረ ብርሃን ሪጂኦ ፖሊታን ጫጫ ክፍለ ከተማ ነዋሪ የሆኑ የሁለቱ ጤና ጣቢያ ተጠቃሚ ግለሰቦች በተካሄደ የልምድ ልውውጥ ላይ ገልፀዋል። Collaborative Development organization /CDO/ የተባለ ልማታዊ ግብረ ሰናይ ድርጅት ከመንግስት ጋር በመተባበር በሁለቱ ከተሞች ጤና ጣቢያዎች የጤና አገልግሎት አሰጣጥ ለማሻሻል የዜጎች ማህበራዊ ኃላፊነትን /ተጠያቂነትን መወጣት ላይ አተኩሮ ከአጋር ድርጅቶች፣ ከህብረተሰቡ እና ከተቋማቱ ጋር ለአንድ ዓመት ሲሰራ ቆይቷል፤ የተነሳሳ፣ ብቃት ያለው፣ ርህራሄ የተሞላበት አገልግሎት ሰጪ ባለሙያ እንዲፈጠር እና የጤና አገልግሎቱ ቀልጣፋ የቆይታ ጊዜ እንዲኖረው፤ በጤና ተቋማቱ የመድሃኒት፣ የመመርመሪያ መሳሪያዎች ሌሎች ግብዓቶች እና የመሰረተ ልማቶች በሚሟሉበት ሁኔታዎች፤ የአንቡላንስ መኖር፣ አገልግሎት አሰጣጥ፣ አስተዳደርና ቁጥጥር እንዲሁም የአገልግሎት መስጫ ተቋማቱ ግቢዎች ውብ፣ ሳቢ፣ ማራኪ እና ምቹ እንዲሆኑ ዜጎች በተቌማቱ የእኔነት የኃላፊነት ስሜት እንዲኖራቸው እንዲጠይቁና እንዲሳተፉ ድርጅቱ ከመንግስት ጋር በትብብር በመስራት ለውጥ ማምጣት መቻሉ ተጠቁሟል፤ ይህንኑ መሰረት በማድረግም ከተቌማቱና ከማህበረሰቡ ጋር በቅንጅት የተከናወኑ ተግባራትን እና የመጡ ለውጦችን ሌሎች ግብረ ሰናይ ድርጅቶችንና የመንግስት አካላትን በመጋበዝ የልምድ ልውውጥ እንዲቀሰምባቸው በኮቱ ጤና ጣቢያ የመስክ ምልከታ ተደርጓል። በመስክ ምልከታው ተጠቃሚ ነዋሪዎቹ እንደገለፁት ከዚህ ቀደም በተቌማቱ አገልግሎት አሰጣጡ እንግልት የበዛበት፣ የባለሙያ ተነሳሽነት የሌለበት፣ መድሃኒት ከውጭ ግዙ የሚባልበት፣ መመርመሪያ መሳሪያ ባለመሟላቱ ሪፈር መባልና ለወጪ መዳረግ የበዛበት፤ እንዲሁም በብልሽት ምክንያት የአንቡላንስ አገልግሎት መቌረጥ እና የግቢ መሰረተ ልማት አለመሟላት ለአካል ጉዳተኞችና ለህሙማን እንቅስቃሴ ምቹ ያለመሆን ችግሮች ያሉባቸው ነበሩ ብለው፤ የእኔነት የኃላፊነት ስሜት እንዲኖረን እንድንጠይቅና እንድንሳተፍ በመደረጉ በመመካከርና በመነጋገር የነበሩ ችግሮች እንዲቀረፉ በማድረግ ተጠቃሚ መሆን ችለናል ሲሉ ገልፀዋል። በመስክ ምልከታው የተሳተፉ ያነጋገርናቸው የተለያዩ ግብረ ሰናይ ድርጅት አካላት ህብረተሰቡን ተጠቃሚ ያደረገ ተጨባጭ ልምድ ልንቀስምበት የሚችል ስራ የተመለከትን ሲሆን በቀጣይም ተግባሩ ተጠናክሮ እንዲቀጥል ምክረ ሃሳባቸውን ሰጥተዋል። የአንጎለላና ጠራ ወረዳ ጤና ጥበቃ ጽ/ቤት ኃላፊ አቶ አከበረኝ የምሩ ገለፃ ከድርጅቱ ጋር ተቀናጅተን በመስራት የነበሩ ችግሮችን በመፍታት ህብረተሰባችን ተጠቃሚ እንዲሆኑ እና ሌሎች ልምድ እንዲቀስሙ ማድረግ ችለናል ብለዋል። የወረዳው ምክትል አስተዳዳሪና ገቢዎች ኃላፉ አቶ ዮርዲያኖስ ተከስተ በበኩላቸው ድርጅቶች ወደ መንግስት ሲመጡ የሚሞላ መሆን እንዳለባቸው ገልፀው ይህ ድርጅት ጠያቂ፣ ሞጋች እና ማህበራዊ ኃላፊነቱን የሚወጣ ዜጋ በመቅረፅ ህብረተሰቡ ተጠቃሚ እንዲሆን የሚያስችል ስራ በመስራቱ ሉመሰገን ይገባል ሲሉ ገልፀዋል።

CDO Launches the “Nurturing Peace & Social Cohesion” Project on November 27, 2025CDO successfully held the launch workshop for the CFLI-funded “Nurturing Peace & Social Cohesion” project on November 27, 2025, in Debre Birhan. Participants from the zonal level and the project districts—Kewot and Jile Timuga Woredas—actively joined the session, demonstrating strong local commitment. The workshop presented CDO’s vision and mission, the project’s objectives and key activities, and clarified stakeholder roles for effective implementation. This initiative is made possible with the support of CA Canada’s CFLI program. #CDO #Peacebuilding #SocialCohesion #CFLI #Canada #NorthShewa #Kewot #JileTimuga #Ethiopia

We proudly represented Collaborative Development Organization (CDO) at the highly successful EU CSF+ Program Learning and Experience Sharing Workshop, hosted at the Hilton Hotel.We extend our deepest gratitude to the European Union (EU) for generously funding this critical program, and to ACSO, WHH, COSAP, and DEC for their excellent collaboration in organizing this impactful event. The day was anchored by a compelling Panel Discussion and Experience Sharing session centered on a critical theme: "Voice of Women: The Role of Women CSOs Leaders in Organizational Transformation and Mainstreaming a Right-Based Approach." CDO, alongside three other dynamic women-led Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), provided tangible examples of good practices and strategic insights. This exchange underscored the undeniable power of female leadership in accelerating organizational excellence and solidifying a Human Rights-Based Approach in programming. A truly vital platform for collective learning and strengthening the future of development work. #EUCSF+#EUfunded #WomenInLeadership #RightBasedApproach #DevelopmentStrategy #CSOs #OrganizationalChange #ACSO #WHH #COSAP #DEC #CDO

A new initiative has established intra-ethnic community peace dialogue platforms, bringing together local Amhara and Oromo members—with dedicated representation for women, youth, and adults. These forums are designed to create a safe and structured environment for participants to openly address the complex historical, political, and social grievances that have led to the weakening of trust and coexistence between the groups. The core mission is to move beyond surface-level tensions and directly confront the root causes of the repeated breaches in their social fabric.The dialogues will focus on facilitating honest conversations where communities themselves can identify and articulate the core drivers of conflict. From this foundation of shared understanding, the platform will empower participants to collaboratively develop localized, practical solutions and action plans. The ultimate goal is to foster genuine reconciliation from the ground up, rebuilding the bonds of social trust and creating a resilient foundation for lasting peace between the Amhara and Oromo peoples.

Key community leaders and groups from the North Shewa Zone, Amhara, are now being trained in social cohesion and peacebuilding. The goal: to empower them with skills to heal divisions and build lasting peace from the grassroots level.

In a significant effort to strengthen community ties and enhance service delivery, interface meetings were successfully conducted in Angollela Tera woreda and Debrebirhan city administration. These gatherings brought together community members, service providers, and government officials to engage in meaningful discussions about local services. The meetings aimed to identify the needs and challenges faced by residents in Kotu kebele and Chacha subcity. Participants shared their experiences and expectations regarding access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

A comprehensive facility visit was conducted at the Kotu and Chacha Health Centers to assess the quality of healthcare services provided to the communities. This initiative aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of health services and identify areas for improvement. During the visit, a team of health officials and community representatives toured both centers, examining various aspects of healthcare delivery, including: Service Quality: Observations were made regarding patient care, staff interactions, and the availability of essential medical supplies. Facility Conditions: The team assessed the physical infrastructure of the health centers, ensuring that they met health and safety standards. Community Feedback: Input from patients and healthcare workers was gathered to understand their experiences and suggestions for enhancing service delivery. The evaluations revealed a range of strengths and areas needing attention. While both health centers were praised for their dedicated staff and commitment to patient care, challenges such as resource shortages and the need for updated medical equipment were highlighted. Health officials expressed their commitment to addressing these issues and improving overall healthcare services for the communities of Kotu and Chacha. Plans are underway to implement the necessary changes based on the findings from the visit, ensuring that residents receive the quality care they deserve.

In a proactive step towards enhancing healthcare services, a Joint Action Plan (JAP) has been developed for the Kotu and Chacha Health Centers. This collaborative initiative aims to address the identified challenges and improve overall healthcare delivery in the communities. The JAP was formulated following a series of assessments and community consultations, which highlighted the need for strategic planning to optimize resources and services. Healthcare officials and community leaders are optimistic that the Joint Action Plan will lead to significant improvements in health outcomes for residents of Kotu and Chacha. Regular follow-up meetings are scheduled to monitor the implementation of the plan and ensure accountability. This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in the commitment to providing quality healthcare services and addresses the specific needs of the local population.

In an effort to enhance the quality of healthcare services, service providers at Chacha and Kotu Health Centers recently conducted a self-assessment of their facilities and practices. This initiative aimed to critically evaluate current service delivery and identify areas for improvement. During the self-assessment, healthcare staff engaged in a comprehensive review process that included: Service Evaluation: Providers assessed the effectiveness of various health services, including patient care protocols, emergency response times, and treatment outcomes. Patient Feedback: Feedback from patients was analyzed to understand their experiences and satisfaction levels with the services provided. The self-assessment process highlighted several key findings, including: Strengths: Both health centers were commended for their dedicated staff and the compassionate care they provide to patients. Challenges: Areas requiring improvement were identified, such as the need for updated medical equipment and enhanced communication among staff members. Healthcare leaders expressed their commitment to addressing the identified challenges and implementing changes based on the self-assessment outcomes. This initiative is expected to lead to improved healthcare delivery and better health outcomes for the communities served by Chacha and Kotu Health Centers. The self-assessment reflects a proactive approach by healthcare providers to ensure continuous improvement and responsiveness to patient needs. Regular follow-ups will be conducted to monitor progress and sustain the momentum of this important initiative.

In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance healthcare quality, Kotu and Chacha Health Centers recently underwent an assessment using a Community Score Card. This innovative tool allowed community members to evaluate the health services provided, ensuring that their voices and experiences were central to the evaluation process. The assessment involved active participation from local residents, healthcare providers, and community leaders. Key components of the Community Score Card included: Service Evaluation: Community members rated various aspects of healthcare, such as cleanliness, staff professionalism, waiting times, and the quality of medical care received. Feedback Sessions: Open discussions were held, allowing residents to share their experiences and suggestions for improving services. This participatory approach fostered a sense of ownership among community members. Action Planning: Based on the feedback collected, participants collaboratively identified areas for improvement and developed actionable recommendations for the health centers. Preliminary findings from the assessment revealed both strengths and areas needing attention: Strengths: Residents praised the dedication of healthcare staff and the accessibility of services at both centers. Challenges: Common concerns included long waiting times and the need for better medical equipment and facilities. The results of the Community Score Card assessment will be instrumental in guiding improvements at Kotu and Chacha Health Centers. Health officials are committed to addressing the identified issues and implementing the community's recommendations. This assessment marks a significant step towards fostering transparency and accountability in healthcare services, ensuring that community needs are prioritized in decision-making processes. Follow-up meetings are planned to track progress and maintain engagement with community members, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of this initiative.

In a creative effort to enhance community awareness, information about Social Accountability (SA) and service standards was disseminated through engaging theatre performances in Angollela Tera Woreda. This innovative approach aimed to educate residents about key indicators of service quality and their rights as community members. The performances featured local actors who creatively illustrated various aspects of social accountability, including: Service Standards: The plays highlighted essential service indicators, emphasizing the importance of quality healthcare, education, and public services. Community Rights: Through relatable scenarios, the performances educated audiences about their rights and the mechanisms available for holding service providers accountable. Engagement and Feedback: Audience members were encouraged to participate in discussions following the performances, providing an opportunity for them to voice their concerns and suggestions. The theatre initiative was well-received, drawing large crowds and sparking meaningful conversations among community members. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the engaging format, which made complex topics more accessible and relatable. Local leaders and organizers emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. By empowering residents with knowledge, the project aims to strengthen community engagement and improve service delivery. This innovative approach reflects a commitment to enhancing social accountability in Angollela Tera Woreda, ensuring that residents are informed and actively involved in the governance of their community. Follow-up activities are planned to maintain momentum and continue fostering dialogue around service standards and community rights.

A refresher training session focused on the principles of social accountability and the Community Score Card process was successfully conducted in Angollela Tera Woreda. This training aimed to equip community leaders, service providers, and local stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement these important frameworks. Key aspects of the training included: Understanding Social Accountability: Participants engaged in discussions about the fundamental principles of social accountability, emphasizing the role of transparency, responsiveness, and community involvement in governance. Community Score Card Process: A detailed overview of the Community Score Card methodology was provided, highlighting its importance in evaluating public services and fostering constructive dialogue between service providers and community members. Practical Exercises: Attendees participated in hands-on activities that simulated the Community Score Card process, allowing them to practice data collection, analysis, and action planning. The training was met with enthusiasm, as participants recognized the value of these tools in improving service delivery and enhancing community engagement. Many expressed a renewed commitment to applying the principles of social accountability in their respective roles. Local leaders emphasized the significance of ongoing training and capacity-building initiatives in fostering a culture of accountability within the community. The knowledge gained from this refresher training is expected to strengthen efforts to monitor and improve public services in Angollela Tera Woreda. As part of the follow-up, participants will implement the Community Score Card process in their communities, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard and that service standards are upheld.

A comprehensive training session on social accountability, service standards, and the Community Score Card process was recently conducted for the Health Development Army (HDA) in Angollela Tera Woreda. This initiative aimed to empower community health workers with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance the quality of healthcare services in their communities. Key highlights of the training included: Social Accountability Principles: Participants learned about the importance of transparency and community involvement in monitoring health services. Emphasis was placed on the role of the HDA in advocating for quality care and holding service providers accountable. Service Standards: The training provided an overview of key service standards in healthcare, equipping participants with the criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of services provided at local health facilities. Community Score Card Process: Attendees were trained on how to implement the Community Score Card methodology, which enables communities to assess health services, gather feedback, and facilitate dialogue with health providers. Interactive exercises and group discussions allowed participants to apply the concepts learned, fostering a collaborative environment. Many HDA members expressed enthusiasm about using these tools to improve healthcare delivery and engage more effectively with their communities. Local health officials praised the initiative, highlighting the critical role of the Health Development Army in promoting health awareness and accountability. The training is expected to strengthen community health initiatives and ensure that residents receive the quality care they deserve. Moving forward, participants will implement the Community Score Card process in their areas, ensuring that community feedback is integrated into health service planning and delivery. This training marks a significant step towards enhancing health outcomes in Angollela Tera Woreda.

A significant project launch workshop took place at the Debrebirhan Ethio Bernos Hotel, bringing together key stakeholders and community members to discuss upcoming initiatives aimed at fostering local development. The workshop served as a platform for sharing project goals, strategies, and expected outcomes. Key features of the workshop included: Project Presentations: Project leaders presented detailed overviews of various initiatives, highlighting their objectives, target beneficiaries, and implementation timelines. Participants were provided with insights into how these projects aim to address community needs. Interactive Discussions: Attendees engaged in lively discussions, providing feedback and suggestions on project design and execution. This collaborative approach ensured that community perspectives were integrated into project planning. Networking Opportunities: The workshop facilitated connections among stakeholders, including local government officials, NGOs, and community representatives, fostering partnerships that can enhance project success. Local leaders expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of the projects on community development. Emphasis was placed on the importance of collaborative efforts and community involvement in ensuring the sustainability of initiatives. The workshop concluded with a commitment from all participants to work together towards the successful implementation of the projects. Follow-up meetings and further discussions are planned to keep stakeholders informed and engaged as the projects progress. This workshop marks a significant step towards empowering the community and driving positive change in Debrebirhan.

In a proactive move to strengthen community involvement in governance, Social Accountability (SA) Client Councils have been established, accompanied by comprehensive orientation sessions aimed at enhancing understanding of SA principles, roles, and responsibilities. The councils were formed to empower community members to actively participate in monitoring public services, ensuring transparency, and advocating for quality in service delivery. Key aspects of the initiative included: Orientation Sessions: Participants received training on the fundamental principles of social accountability, including the importance of transparency, responsiveness, and community engagement in governance. Roles and Responsibilities: Council members were educated about their specific roles in monitoring services, providing feedback, and serving as a bridge between the community and service providers. Interactive Discussions: The orientation included group discussions that allowed participants to share their insights and experiences, fostering a collaborative atmosphere for learning and engagement. Community leaders expressed enthusiasm about the establishment of the Client Councils, recognizing their potential to enhance accountability and improve service delivery in various sectors, including health, education, and public services. The initiative is expected to create a more engaged and informed citizenry, encouraging residents to take an active role in advocating for their rights and ensuring that public services meet community standards. Regular follow-up meetings will be held to support the councils in their efforts and to monitor progress, ensuring that the principles of social accountability are effectively implemented in the community. This initiative marks a significant step towards fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, ultimately benefiting all residents.