MSI Ethiopia reproductive choices and the Youth and Cultural Development Foundation (YCDF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on strengthening youth sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and advancing youth development initiatives across the country. The agreement is designed to empower young people, enhance their meaningful engagement, and promote inclusive participation, including youth with disabilities
The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Abebe Shibiru, Country Director of MSIE, and Mr. Zenayeneh Girma, Executive Director of YCDF, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations. The partnership marks a significant milestone in their shared commitment to ensuring that young people are informed, supported, and positioned as active change-makers in society. During the signing ceremony, Dr. Abebe Shibiru highlighted MSIE’s social business model, explaining how it enables the organization to remain resilient amid global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and conflicts that impact donor funding. He also reflected on how MSIE successfully navigated disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises, reaffirming the importance of sustainable and flexible approaches in advancing SRH services. Mr. Zenayeneh Girma expressed YCDF’s strong dedication to youth health and cultural development, emphasizing the value of partnership with MSIE in addressing persistent SRH challenges and creating transformative impact. The agreement also outlines plans to engage additional stakeholders, including government offices and community institutions, to jointly address youth SRH barriers and foster coordinated action. By working together, MSIE and YCDF aim to create a supportive environment where young people can access accurate information, quality services, and opportunities for leadership and participation.
In a powerful display of solidarity, the Youth and Cultural Development Foundation (YCDF) showed its unwavering support for the international 16 Days of Activism movement against gender-based violence. The organization’s staff, spanning across its three cities, joined forces to raise awareness and promote slogans that advocate for an end to gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence continues to be a pressing global issue, affecting individuals and communities across the world. YCDF recognizes the urgency and importance of addressing this problem and is committed to playing an active role in combating it. By participating in the 16 Days of Activism movement, YCDF aims to contribute to the broader efforts of raising awareness and effecting positive change.
Throughout the campaign, YCDF staff members collaborated to showcase slogans that boldly condemn gender-based violence. These slogans were prominently displayed in various locations across the organization’s three cities, serving as a powerful visual reminder of the collective stand against such violence. The slogans acted as a call to action, urging individuals and communities to unite to create a society free from all forms of gender-based violence.
YCDF continues to work tirelessly on advocating to end of GBV across all parts of its thematic areas and more.
Youth and Cultural Development Foundation (YCDF) recently held its highly anticipated annual performance review meeting in Hawassa City. Over two days, on December 1 and 2, 2023, more than 60 dedicated YCDF staff members gathered to reflect on the organization’s achievements and discuss plans for the future.
The first day of the review meeting it was focused on evaluating the outcomes of the previous year’s efforts. The YCDF team engaged in productive discussions to analyze the experiences and lessons learned. This critical reflection allowed for a comprehensive assessment of successes, as well as the identification of areas for improvement.
On the second day, each department of YCDF presented their plans and strategic shifts for the upcoming year. Drawing from the valuable insights gained from past experiences, the teams developed robust strategies to drive positive change and enhance the organization’s impact. The discussions were marked by enthusiasm and a shared commitment to advancing YCDF’s mission.
The annual performance review meeting held even greater significance as it also served as a celebration of YCDF’s 10th year of service since its establishment in 2013. The event was filled with pride and accomplishment as the organization reflected on a decade of empowering youth and creating opportunities for them.
Distinguished guests from government offices, partner organizations, and some of the organization’s board of directors, graced the meeting with their presence. Their attendance highlighted the importance of YCDF’s work and emphasized the collaborative efforts between the organization and its stakeholders. The valuable insights and perspectives shared by the guests further enriched the discussions, reinforcing the spirit of collective action.
YCDF remains committed to its mission of fostering youth development and promoting their empowerment. For more information about YCDF and its ongoing initiatives, please visit our official website at www.ycdfet.org.
IYA_kefeta project’s consortium partners YCDF and Dereja hosted its Job fairs in Hawassa at Sidama Balhderashe. The Job Affairs opened this morning in the presence of representatives YCDF Cluster manager, AMREF Representatives, and government bodies.
IYA-Kefeta is proud to announce that more than 95% of its functional literacy 1 and 2 completed youth who have taken the evaluation exams have passed.