10.01.25
Advocating for Change
The Birth of Ethiopia’s National Young Care Leavers Coalition
For young care leavers in Ethiopia, the transition to independent living is fraught with challenges. Without the safety net of a family support system, many face difficulties navigating adulthood, securing employment, or accessing vital aftercare services. Despite these obstacles, a transformative advocacy effort led by SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia (SOS CVE) has emerged to address their unique needs and empower them to claim their rights to healthy lives, care, and active participation in society.
The journey began with individual Young Care Leavers (YCL) associations, which were working tirelessly but independently to support their members. While their efforts were commendable, they lacked the unified voice needed to advocate for systemic change. Recognizing this gap, SOS CVE’s Leaving No Youth Behind (LNYB) project spearheaded an advocacy initiative that brought these associations together, guiding them through a collaborative process that culminated in the formation of the National Young Care Leavers Coalition.
This Coalition now serves as a unified platform representing care leavers across Ethiopia. It works closely with policymakers, advocates for their rights, and addresses pressing issues like access to education, mental health support, and vocational training. By engaging national policymakers and contributing to the policy dialogue on care leavers’ rights, SOS CVE and the Coalition have established a model for effective advocacy that amplifies the voices of this often-overlooked group.
Through sustained capacity-building efforts by SOS CVE, the Coalition and its member associations have gained the tools and resources to provide essential services to care leavers. Comprehensive support—including mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) training, financial assistance, office space, and supplies—has enabled the YCL associations to evolve into pillars of empowerment. They now organize vocational skills training, PM+ (Problem Management Plus) sessions, and one-on-one coaching and mentoring programs. These initiatives equip care leavers with the skills and confidence to thrive in their new lives.
The formation of the National Young Care Leavers Coalition is more than just an organizational milestone—it is a testament to the resilience and determination of care leavers in Ethiopia and the strategic advocacy efforts of SOS CVE. By uniting under one banner, these young individuals have turned their shared experiences into collective strength, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are recognized. Today, the Coalition stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, advocacy, and collaboration, even the most vulnerable can lead impactful and fulfilling lives.