Boys and girls in the South Omo Zone face various protection concerns and risks.
Education and Child Protection Integrated Program in South Omo Zone.
Center of Concern has launched an ambitious Education and Child Protection Integrated Program in South Omo Zone, Ethiopia, aiming to enhance quality education and child protection for over 13,500 children across 21 schools in three districts, with activities ranging from teacher training and school infrastructure improvements to community awareness campaigns and strengthening local child protection services.
New Project Launching: Reaching Every Child with Immunization in Humanitarian Settings
Center of Concern, in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee, has launched a vital immunization project targeting over 9,500 zero-dose children in fragile and conflict-affected districts across Oromia and Southern Regional States, aiming to reduce child morbidity and mortality rates by integrating quality immunization services with primary health care platforms in these humanitarian settings.
Handover of Classroom Blocks (PCF)
Center of Concern, with support from Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation, has significantly improved educational infrastructure in South Omo Zone by constructing and reconstructing multiple classroom blocks across six primary schools, enhancing the learning environment and community engagement while fostering a more child-friendly atmosphere for quality education.
Center of Concern Handover newly Constructed Class Rooms and Latrines
Center of Concern, with funding from Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation, successfully completed and handed over two blocks of classrooms and latrines in three primary schools of BackoDawula District, South Omo Zone, addressing classroom shortages and enhancing the learning environment, while also renovating existing structures with community participation, earning appreciation from local officials and school representatives who pledged to maintain the new facilities.
Child Empowerment and Protection
Center of Concern-Hawassa is addressing the complex issue of street children through multiple targeted initiatives, including the “Child Empowerment and Protection” project funded by Goal Ethiopia, which operates a Drop-in and Rehabilitation Center providing daytime services and support for street-connected children and youth, and a Child Transition House offering comprehensive care and education for orphans and vulnerable children, with a focus on girls’ scholarships supported by Edget Baandnet.