ECYDO Eshet

As we celebrate Eid Al-Adha, ECYDO extends its warmest wishes to all Muslim communities in Ethiopia and around the world. 🌙✨

May this blessed holiday bring peace, compassion, unity, and renewed hope to you and your loved ones.
Eid Mubarak!

🎉 A Day to Remember in Asella City!

Today, we officially launched MESSAGE II — Move to Establish Safe Spaces for Adolescent Girls' Empowerment project, and what a powerful moment it was.

With the presence of Mr. Kikadu Tilahun (Head of Asella City Administration Mayor’s Office), Mrs. Zara Shanko (Head of Asella City Administration Women and Social Affairs), Mrs. Radia Bunsura (Head of Asella City Administration Education Office), school Directors, focal teachers, and partner organizations, the room was full of the right people and the right energy.

ECYDO presented the full vision: who we are, what we've achieved, and exactly how MESSAGE II will change lives. The construction plan was laid out. The budget was shared. The MoUs were signed. The project support group was established.

But the most moving moment? The stories of girls like Fenet — 13 years old, missing 4–5 school days every month because her school has no private toilet, no pad, no safe space. Girls who fall behind are not because they lack ability, but because the system lets them down.

That ends now.

Government officials didn't just attend; they claimed ownership. They celebrated ECYDO's community impact, expressed deep enthusiasm for the project, and committed to collaborating at every level to make MESSAGE II a success.

Safe spaces are being built. Girls are staying in school. Futures are being protected.

Thank you to Good People International ( GPI), the funding Agency. Thank you to everyone who showed up today.

This is what partnership looks like. 💙

Successful Conclusion of a High-Impact 3-Day Strategic Planning & Communications Workshop in Kenya!

From 22–24 April, Alive Youth Kenya successfully hosted an intensive, youth-centered planning and communications workshop that brought together 10 AYP partners from 10 countries to co-design a dynamic, flexible, and youth-driven roadmap for the next six months.

The workshop stood out for its authentic commitment to meaningful youth leadership, moving beyond token participation to position young people as genuine drivers of strategy, innovation, and decision-making. The level of energy, ownership, strategic clarity, and collaborative spirit in the room was exceptional, laying a strong foundation for transformative results in advancing dignified and sustainable livelihoods for young people across Africa.

Ethiopia was proudly represented by the ECYDO team:

Kalkidan — Representative (ECYDO Project Coordinator)
Mihretabe — Ethiopian, African Youth Panel AYP Representative
Tinsae — National Coordinator
Yayeyirad — Panel Advisory Council
Tamru — Training Partner

This gathering powerfully demonstrated that when youth are trusted, equipped, and placed at the center, sustainable and scalable impact becomes not only possible but inevitable.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Alive Youth Kenya, TrustAfrica, Mastercard Foundation, and all participating partners for creating such a purposeful and forward-looking platform. Strong partnerships like these are essential for building resilient youth ecosystems across the continent.

Together, we are shaping a future where African youth lead with dignity, agency, and opportunity.