South Western Ethiopia

Area: 1951.6 sq km
Total Population:  297,064 (Central Statistical Agency in 2005)
Districts and communities: 3 towns, 2 districts, 20 communities
Caseload: 8,586
Sponsored children: 7,009

Jimma Programme Unit is located in the South Western part of Ethiopia. Plan operates in 2 woredas (district level) namely Kersa and Tiro Afeta since 2007.

Programme highlights

Water and sanitation

Our sanitation project educates communities about the importance of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. Communities construct their own latrines and 3 communities have already declared their area free from open defecation. 

As part of reducing malaria related illnesses and deaths, we work with the communities in prevention and treatments. With Plan’s facilitation and support local communities participate in de-swamping marshy areas and spraying anti-mosquito chemicals. More than 13 communities are supported with 2-3 impregnated bed nets per family during malaria peak time.  

Access to health services particularly in terms of distance is a major challenge in many rural areas. To alleviate this, Plan constructs nucleus health centres in Kersa woreda (district) which provide basic primary health care services to about 25,000 beneficiaries.

To ensure clean water supply to semi-urban communities, we developed a clean water supply to Serbo area where schools, health centres and families are benefiting.

Quality basic education

With active involvement of children and families, we work to improve pre-school, primary, post primary, alternative and adult education in the programme area. Ensuring quality education through training major actors in education and building infrastructure for this purpose is a priority.

More than 600 students now have child-friendly education after a Plan project helped communities build 2 primary schools and refurbish 2 kindergartens. To help enhance quality education, we are actively working to end violence in schools through Learn Without Fear campaign.

Livelihood improvement

Basic training to increase land productivity, creating access to microfinance and provision of improved livestock are the major components of the programme. Close to 100 coffee growing farmers received training and improved coffee variety. Hybrids, ewes and improved beehives are given out to community members with very limited or no assets to help them create income and build new assets. 

HIV and AIDS

We work to improve access to prevention, care and support services for orphans and vulnerable children as well as other people living with HIV and AIDS. Plan’s programmes also promote responsible sexual behaviour among women and adolescents.

Several training sessions have been organised for health workers, community members, youths and adolescents about the risks and prevention of HIV and AIDS.

With participation of the local young people, we constructed a youth-friendly centre where youth groups learn about the disease through peer-to-peer discussion and from the resource and counselling centres.

Child protection and participation

We help establish and support child protection units at kebele (parish level) to protect children from violence and help them to participate in decisions that affect their lives. 

In collaboration with 2 child protection units and child rights clubs we work to realise the right of children in our area. Law enforcing bodies receive refresher training as how to cooperate and handle child abuse cases in a child friendly manner.

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