USAID-Supported Initiative Empowers Ethiopian Youth to Champion Positive Change

Strategic Insights -

A "Youth for Peace Festival" was organized by Kefeta, a USAID-supported integrated youth activity, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA), regional bureaus in Sidama, and the Hawassa City Administration. The festival, held at the Sidama Cultural Hall in Hawassa on December 31, 2022, brought together 1,500 young people from various cities in Ethiopia to engage in activities such as a 3K run, peace dialogues, music concerts, sports, games, talent shows, and a market. The event aimed to promote intercultural understanding, create a platform for private sector engagement and civil society support for youth development, and empower youth to become agents of peace and stability in their communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Youth for Peace Festival" was part of a $60 million (3.1 billion Birr) USAID/Kefeta activity launched in March 2022 to support vulnerable youth across Ethiopia.
  • The five-year initiative aims to help youth in 18 cities across Ethiopia find meaningful jobs and gain better access to essential services.
  • Kefeta organized the festival to empower Ethiopian youth and create a platform for intercultural understanding, private sector engagement, and civil society support for youth development.
  • The festival promoted peace and stability among young people, with activities such as peace dialogues, music concerts, sports, and games.
  • Kefeta remodeled the Tula 01 Youth Center in Tula sub-city, Hawassa, as a gathering place for local youth to engage in creativity and innovation, with funding from USAID.
  • Kefeta plans to remodel more than 50 youth service outlets in selected youth centers, health centers, higher learning institutions, and industrial parks to expand access to essential services.
  • Similar events will be hosted in other cities around Ethiopia in the coming months to engage young people in meaningful dialogue, arts, and culture.

Statistics:

  • 1,500 young people participated in the "Youth for Peace Festival" in Hawassa on December 31, 2022.
  • The USAID/Kefeta activity spans five years and targets 18 cities across Ethiopia.
  • The initiative aims to support vulnerable youth across Ethiopia, with a budget of $60 million (3.1 billion Birr).
  • Kefeta plans to remodel more than 50 youth service outlets in selected locations.

Sources:

  • M2 PRESSWIRE-January 4, 2023-: With United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Support, Kefeta Organized a “Youth for Peace Festival” (C)1994-2023 M2 COMMUNICATIONS RDATE:04012023
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