The Kefeta - Integrated Youth Activity (IYA), implemented by the Youth and Cultural Development Foundation (YCDF), stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, dedication, and hard work come together. From October 2021 to September 2024, this initiative has not only met but consistently exceeded its targets, delivering transformative results for youth across Dilla, Hawassa, and Shashemene. Our journey has been one of empowerment, innovation, and impact, and the numbers tell a story of success that we are proud to share.
One of the earliest milestones of the project was the signing of formal agreements with regional offices. We achieved a 100% success rate in securing these agreements across all three cities, laying a strong foundation for the work ahead. Beyond this, we set up 4 offices for the Kefeta Project, surpassing our initial target of 3—a 133% achievement that allowed us to expand our reach and impact. Staff recruitment also saw remarkable success, with 23 staff members hired in the first year, 16 out of 20 in the second year, and 22 out of 21 in the third year, culminating in a 105% achievement rate in the final year. These early wins set the tone for what was to come.
When it comes to empowering youth, the numbers speak for themselves. We trained 45 coalition leaders in advocacy and leadership, exceeding our target of 39—a 115% achievement that reflects our commitment to building strong, capable youth leaders. Additionally, we conducted 39 youth mobilization activities, achieving 100% of our target and ensuring that young people were actively engaged in shaping their futures. Our efforts to foster community engagement were equally successful, with 45 inception meetings held with regional stakeholders, again achieving 100% of our goal. These activities have not only strengthened youth networks but also created a sense of ownership and collaboration within the communities we serve.
Economic empowerment has been a cornerstone of the Kefeta project, and here too, we have surpassed expectations. We trained 300 youth in entrepreneurship and business management, exceeding our target of 225—a 133% achievement that has equipped young people with the skills they need to thrive. Furthermore, we successfully linked 150 youth to wage employment, achieving 100% of our target and providing meaningful opportunities for economic growth. The establishment of 3 SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperatives) also met 100% of our target, offering financial support and resources to young entrepreneurs. These achievements underscore our commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities for youth.
In the realm of youth-friendly services, we have made significant strides. We trained 60 health service providers in youth-friendly health services, surpassing our target of 50—a 120% achievement that has improved access to quality healthcare for young people. Additionally, we trained 61 peer mentors in mental health and psychosocial support, exceeding our target of 60 and ensuring that youth have access to the emotional and psychological support they need. These efforts have not only enhanced the well-being of young people but also strengthened the overall health infrastructure in the regions we serve.
Our commitment to monitoring and evaluation has been unwavering, ensuring that every aspect of the project is tracked and optimized for success. We conducted 24 Data Quality Assurance (DQA) activities, achieving 100% of our target and maintaining the highest standards of data integrity. Quarterly review meetings were also a highlight, with 72 meetings held—exceeding our target and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, we produced 15 success stories, surpassing our target of 12 and showcasing the transformative impact of our work. These stories serve as a powerful reminder of the lives we have touched and the communities we have strengthened.
The success of the Kefeta project is not just in the numbers but in the lives, we have changed. From empowering youth leaders to creating economic opportunities and improving access to essential services, we have consistently gone above and beyond to deliver results. Our achievements—133% in office setup, 115% in advocacy training, 133% in entrepreneurship training, 120% in health service training, and 125% in success stories—are a testament to our dedication and the trust placed in us by the communities we serve.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to building on these successes, addressing challenges, and continuing to empower youth across Dilla, Hawassa, and Shashemene. The Kefeta project is more than just a program—it is a movement, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey. Together, we are creating a brighter, more inclusive future for the youth of Ethiopia.
