On December 14-16, 2007, CPAR-Ethiopia joined the festivities of the country’s 4th Annual NGO Day in Addis Ababa as part of the events commemorating the Ethiopian Millennium in Bole Millennium Hall.

The event provided CPAR-Ethiopia with an opportunity to present the scope of our partnership-based work in primary healthcare, basic education, food security, natural resource management, income generation and conflict prevention. CPAR-Ethiopia works in Jarso Woreda (Oromia Region) and Dibate Woreda (Benishangul-Gumuz Region).

During the event, program staff shared information about how CPAR’s community programming contributes towards ensuring safe livelihoods for vulnerable families (with a focus on mothers and children). CPAR’s approach involves working with community members to enhance the participation of women and children in income generating activities like sewing, embroidery, metal and wood work. Staff also discussed awareness and sensitization programs focused on HIV & AIDS, water borne intestinal diseases and malaria.

CPAR provided information about its promotion of girls’ education in Dibate which has included opening four elementary schools and supporting alternative basic education centres with school furniture, learning materials and the provision of safe water through innovative rainwater harvesting.

The event also involved satellite forums designed to foster dialogue on good governance, good donor relations for civil society, trade liberalization, poverty and inequality in Ethiopia, government and Civil Society Organization (CSO) collaborative efforts in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) as well as advocacy for international issues of national concern.

CPAR-Ethiopia also participated in the Good Governance Forum along with government officials and other NGO representatives, due to its long-standing work on conflict resolution and support regarding the drafting of new family law bylaws in Dibate.