DSW Ethiopia Convenes Two-Day Annual Review Meeting in Bishoftu to Strengthen Youth-Centered Action

DSW Ethiopia held its annual review meeting at the Youth Development Training Center in Bishoftu from December 25 to 26, 2025. The event brought together youth champions, government and non-government stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Agency for Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations, regional and local health bureaus, youth centers, the Ethiopian Youth Health Council, development partners, and country office staff. The meeting aimed to review progress, share learning, and strengthen collaboration.

The first day opened with a cultural performance by youth members from the Bishoftu Youth Empowerment Center, one of DSW Ethiopia’s implementation areas. In his welcoming remarks, DSW Ethiopia’s Country Director, Mr. Feyera Assefa, outlined the objectives of the meeting and emphasised the importance of the Youth Development Training Center. He highlighted its role in empowering young people and strengthening youth-led initiatives, and stressed that the government should support DSW Ethiopia to sustain the center by scaling it up into a fully equipped, digitalized facility with adequate infrastructure.

Senior representatives, including an advisor to the State Minister of Health and the General Director of the Agency for Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations, commended DSW Ethiopia’s contributions to youth health and empowerment. Director of Ethiopian Youth Health Council also emphasised the importance of being heard as young people and recognised DSW Ethiopia’s support in advancing their goals.

Researchers from Addis Ababa University presented findings from the same study shared at the parliamentary workshop, reinforcing evidence on youth investment and demographic trends. A representative from the Ministry of Health presented the new Ethiopian Youth Health Policy, highlighting national priorities for adolescent and youth health.

Another major component of the day was the youth exhibition, where young people supported by DSW Ethiopia showcased their initiatives and projects. Exhibits included reusable sanitary pads, the Bee’s approach activity, and a booth demonstration on STI and pregnancy testing through the Flying Nurse initiative. The exhibition illustrated practical, youth-led solutions and highlighted the importance of sexual and reproductive health education, innovation, and sustainability, offering valuable insights for both government and development partners. Apart from the exhibition DSW Ethiopia’s youth champion from the Adama Dolphin Circus Team also performed an interesting circus performance.

The second day of the annual review meeting focused on project-level review sessions conducted separately with stakeholders, partners, and youth champions. These discussions examined achievements to date, identified key challenges, and agreed on priorities and next steps for the remaining project period. The sessions created space for open reflection, mutual accountability, and alignment to ensure continued progress and impact. The two-day meeting provided a platform for dialogue, reflection, and partnership building, reaffirming DSW Ethiopia’s commitment to youth empowerment, evidence-based programming, and strong collaboration with government and development partners.