Hold the Child — Ethiopia
Every child in Amhara and Gambella protected, learning and heard.
A women-led, community-grounded national organisation working with families, schools and local institutions in conflict-affected and refugee-hosting communities — part of the Hold the Child regional network.
HERO IMAGE
Consented community or school scene · no identifiable children
15,000
children & adolescents to access protection and safe spaces (HOPE 2026–2027 target)
5,271
children reached through classroom SEL in 9 Delanta schools (2026)
90
teachers supported on SEL and psychosocial support
Since 2011
regional network · $15M+ managed · Low-Risk UN HACT rating
Figures: HOPE targets 2026–2027 · Delanta SEL results, March–June 2026 · Network figures 2011–2025.
Where we work
Two regions, one integrated model
We focus where crises overlap: conflict, displacement, food insecurity and disrupted learning.
MAP OF ETHIOPIA
Amhara and Gambella highlighted · pin on Delanta Woreda (North Wollo)
Amhara
Recurring instability has damaged schools and community structures, raising exposure to trauma and SGBV. Our school-based SEL and psychosocial work began in Delanta Woreda.
Gambella
Host and refugee communities face malnutrition, limited protection services and high dropout. Global Acute Malnutrition is reported above 15% in refugee-hosting areas.
Flagship programme · 2026–2027
HOPE — Holistic Opportunities for Protection & Education
Strengthened coordination & local institutions
Teachers, health extension workers, women’s associations and faith leaders equipped to mainstream child protection; referral pathways linking schools, health centres and Woreda structures.
Integrated protection & education
Child-friendly spaces, trauma-responsive teaching, stronger school management committees and community action against early marriage.
Climate-smart livelihoods & resilience
Income generation, micro-irrigation, kitchen and school gardens and drought-resistant agriculture to reduce the economic drivers of protection risks.
#NoChildHidden
Our six change areas in Ethiopia
Select a change area to see how it shows up in our work.
[To confirm with ET team]
Across the network this area covers legal identity and social inclusion. The Ethiopia programme has not yet confirmed activity here.
Child-friendly spaces and referral pathways
HOPE links schools, health centres and Woreda structures through referral pathways, and communities act together against early marriage. In Delanta, 29 children with severe needs were referred to specialised services.
Nutrition that protects
In refugee-hosting areas of Gambella, where acute malnutrition is reported above 15%, nutrition support is paired with livelihoods to reduce harmful coping such as child labour.
Teachers as the first line of support
90 teachers brought Social and Emotional Learning to 5,271 children across nine conflict-affected primary schools in Delanta Woreda.
Climate-smart livelihoods
HOPE aims to improve food security and incomes for 5,000 households — especially women and youth — through micro-irrigation, kitchen and school gardens and drought-resistant farming.
Children leading peace
School peace clubs, debates and competitions give children — especially girls — a platform, while community dialogues build coexistence.
STORY IMAGE
Teacher-led SEL activity, from behind or hands-only
Impact story · Delanta, Amhara
Teachers as the first line of psychosocial support
“Through the games and discussions, I learned how to control my emotions and work together with others.”
— Learner, 13, Delanta Woreda (name withheld)
All stories are shared with informed consent. Names and identifying details are changed to protect children and families.
Campaign
#NoChildHidden
No child in Amhara or Gambella should be out of sight of the people and systems meant to protect them.
Nationally aligned
Contributing to Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan
Our work supports the plan’s vision of an “African Beacon of Prosperity”, Ethiopia’s SDG commitments, its NDC adaptation priorities and the UN Humanitarian Response Plan.
Harnessing the demographic dividend
Learning, protection and child wellbeing
Gender & social inclusion
Girls’ retention, women-led livelihoods
Resilient green economy
Climate-smart agriculture, youth recycling
Peace building
Community dialogues, school peace clubs
Latest
News and updates
Partner with us
A locally trusted, nationally aligned partner for child wellbeing in Ethiopia.
Registered in Ethiopia since 2020 (Reg. #5256). Formerly Tana Charity Organisation.
Contact
[Office address — to confirm]
[Phone] · [email]@holdthechild.ngo