From February 18-21, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands with the Dutch Relief Alliance Board of Director members embarked on a field visit to Dubluk woreda, Borena zone. SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia, as the lead organization, is overseeing the implementation of the Ethiopian Joint Response Program, with Borena being one of the four zones where the program is being carried out. With a focus on humanitarian aid and rehabilitation, the innitiative aims to provide relief and recovery to communities affected by prologed drought in East Hararghe and Borena as well as by conflict in North Wollo and Waghimra zones. Initiated in 2024, the program has a three-year duration.
Ahead of the visit, a meeting was held at the SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia National Office to discuss the ongoing program’s key elements, including the impacts of collaboration among implementing partners, the importance of localization, and the added value of the Dutch Relief Alliance (DRA) in setting new standards for quality funding. The discussion also addressed the negative implications of the recent USAID funding reductions.
This was followed by the visit which assessed one area of the program’s implementation, highlighting the significant progress made in providing crucial support, including WASH, food security and livelihoods, multi-purpose cash (MPC) and protection interventions.
Through engagements with local communities, government officials, and other stakeholders who have all been working together to drive the anticipated change the visit showcased tangible transformations. From improved access to clean water through new reservoirs and water points, as well as enhanced food security, livelihoods, and protection interventions the program’s integrated, multisectoral approach demonstrated its effectiveness in empowering communities with sustainable solutions, fulfilling its mission.
Furthermore, remarks were made regarding the decision to allocate 45% of the program’s budget to local partners, emphasizing the powerful impact of collaboration, innovation, and local ownership. This decision highlighted the importance of strengthening local capacity and ensuring that local partners are at the heart of the program's success.
The visit ultimately reaffirmed the success and ongoing impact of the Ethiopian Joint Response Program, which continues to uplift communities and provide lasting solutions for recovery and resilience in the Oromia and Amhara regions.