Unlocking the Potential: DSW Ethiopia’s Annual Performance Review Meeting Highlights Commitment to Empowerment and Sustainable Impact in Communities!

On October 23, 2024, DSW Ethiopia hosted its Annual Review Meeting at DSW Youth Development Training center in Bishoftu, marking a major milestone in its journey. The gathering brought together a diverse range of participants, including government officials, international DSW representatives, youth leaders, and community partners, underscoring DSW’s dedication to empowering youth across Ethiopia. The meeting offered a space to celebrate achievements, evaluate lessons learned, and set objectives for the future, reinforcing the organisation’s vision of sustainable community impact.

The day began with a cultural performance by one of DSW Supporting YEC Ha-Geez edutainment group from Hawasa, celebrating Ethiopia’s heritage and setting a positive, unifying tone. In his welcoming remarks, DSW Ethiopia’s Country Director, Mr. Feyera Assefa, outlined the objectives of the meeting and emphasised the importance of engaging young people early on in the annual performance review process. “Today is about learning from each other,” he said, “and ensuring that our collective efforts continue to empower young Ethiopians and build stronger communities.”

DSW’s Executive Director, Mr. Jan Kreutzberg, captured the essence of DSW’s mission with a powerful reminder: “Youth are not just the future; they are the present. Our motto, ‘YOUTH CAN,’ is a call to action.” His message underscored the importance of gender balance and inclusivity in DSW’s youth-centered approach.

Ms. Angela Bähr, DSW’s Deputy Director, expressed her appreciation for the active involvement of young people in DSW programs, as well as gratitude toward stakeholders for their commitment to advancing SRH and family planning services in Ethiopia. “Empowering young people is empowering a nation,” she emphasised, highlighting the collective effort needed to make a lasting impact.

This year’s meeting focused on fostering youth empowerment by providing a platform for young people to share their challenges and successes. Youth leaders and adolescents from multiple regions actively engaged with government representatives, voicing questions and concerns about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and requesting sustainable support. Their dialogues with officials brought to light the pressing needs of the youth, as well as the value of collaborative efforts. One youth leader noted, “This platform gives us a chance to be heard and to advocate for the support we need to thrive.”

Beyond discussions on youth issues, the meeting also served as a key opportunity for resource mobilisation. The event connected DSW Ethiopia with potential partners and supporters who shared a commitment to youth empowerment. This collaborative atmosphere encouraged open discussions on funding and the need for sustained support to expand DSW’s initiatives across underserved youth and communities in Ethiopia.

A significant part of the day was the youth exhibition, where young people who are sported by DSW Ethiopia displayed their initiatives and projects. Of particular interest were the reusable sanitary pads and the Bee’s approach activity through the flying nurse, which drew attention from participants and sparked discussions around sustainability and the importance of SRH education.

The day’s activities included youth-led performances that creatively addressed SRH challenges and peer pressure, reflecting the complex realities young people face today. The Adama Dolphin Circus Team and the Ha-Geez Habesha youth club’s powerful drama on relationships and peer pressure in schools deeply resonated with attendees, offering a unique perspective on the peer pressures affecting youth.

Local partnerships were celebrated as well, with speakers such as Mr. Telahun Yimer from the Bishoftu Mayor’s office commending DSW’s contributions to community health and environmental well-being. He remarked, “DSW’s work aligns closely with Ethiopia’s development goals, and its focus on SRH is a critical component in building healthier communities.”

Throughout the day, presentations from DSW Ethiopia staff added depth to the discussions. Representatives from organisations like CORHA, Grass Root Soccer, Nutrition International and DSW-Kenya praised DSW Ethiopia’s dedication to youth-centered approaches and celebrated the “Youth Can” initiative. Mrs. Evelyn Samba, Director of DSW-Kenya, highlighted the innovative BEES model and the impactful work of the flying nurse program, stating, “DSW’s reach goes beyond clinics; it’s a model of empowerment that reaches young people wherever they are.”

In his closing remarks, Dr. Alemayu Hunduma, MCAYH-N Lead Executive Officer at the Ministry of Health, expressed appreciation for DSW’s longstanding partnership. “Empowering young people to shape their communities is not only impactful; it’s essential to our nation’s future,” he said. “DSW’s mission of ‘YOUTH CAN’ resonates deeply because it recognises youth as leaders and change agents.”

Overall, the Annual Performance Review Meeting offered a vital opportunity for DSW Ethiopia to reflect on its accomplishments, address the unique challenges facing young people, and strengthen partnerships for the future. By creating a space for youth voices to be heard and supporting ongoing resource mobilisation, DSW Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable and impactful mission. With the support of dedicated partners, passionate young leaders, and engaged stakeholders, DSW Ethiopia is poised to make an even greater impact on SRH and youth empowerment across Ethiopia in the years ahead.

Photographs: DSW Ethiopia