A major milestone has been reached in Ethiopia's efforts to strengthen and professionalize childcare services nationwide.
With technical and financial support from the Leave No Youth Behind (LNYB) Project, implemented by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia with support from SOS Children’s Villages Denmark and funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA) and the Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS) successfully led the development of the national Child Care Providers Occupational Standard, Curriculum, and Training Module. These landmark documents are designed to establish a standardized framework for the training and professional development of childcare providers across the country, contributing to improved quality of care for children.
Following approximately six months of intensive collaboration and consultation among government institutions, development partners, technical experts, and childcare practitioners, the documents were officially validated and launched on 13 August 2026 in Addis Ababa. The event was attended by senior government officials, including H.E. Hikima Keyeradin, State Minister of Women and Social Affairs, and H.E. Azmeraw Bekele, Advisor to the State Minister of Labour and Skills, alongside representatives from regional bureaus, development partners, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders.
![]()
The launch represents a significant step toward strengthening Ethiopia's child protection and care system by addressing longstanding gaps in the professional preparation and certification of childcare providers. The new standards and training materials are expected to promote consistency, quality, and accountability in childcare services across the country.
A particularly proud moment for SOS Children's Villages in Ethiopia was the organization's formal recognition for its instrumental contribution to this national achievement. During the launch ceremony, SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of its significant technical leadership, financial support, and sustained commitment to the development and revitalization of these important national frameworks. The certificate was jointly signed by H.E. Hikima Keyeradin, State Minister of Women and Social Affairs, and H.E. Teshale Berecha (PhD), State Minister of Labour and Skills.
![]()
This recognition underscores SOS Children's Villages in Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to strengthening childcare and alternative care systems in Ethiopia. Through its partnership with government institutions and other stakeholders, SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia continues to champion quality care, workforce development, and system strengthening initiatives that help ensure every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, protective, and supportive family environment.
The achievement also reflects SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia’s broader contribution to advancing national childcare reform efforts and supporting the Government of Ethiopia's vision of developing a competent, qualified, and professional childcare workforce capable of meeting the diverse needs of children and families across the country.