Gurmuu Development Association

03/04/2026

The Gurmuu Development Association convened its 20th General Assembly for 2025 on March 29, 2026, at Elily International Hotel in Addis Ababa, bringing together the organization’s founding members and stakeholders. The assembly opened with a traditional blessing from elders, setting a respectful and inspiring tone. The Association’s Director, Mr. Ababeyehu Jabessa, presented the 2025 Annual Progressive Report, followed by the auditors’ financial report. Both documents were thoroughly discussed under the guidance of the Board Committee, ensuring a participatory and constructive dialogue. Members who had consistently supported the Association were honored with certificates of recognition, highlighting their role in strengthening institutional capacity. Elections were also held to fill vacant committee positions, reinforcing the Board’s functionality and inclusiveness. The event was marked by lively exchanges, with participants raising critical issues on how Gurmuu can better address pressing social and economic challenges within communities. The assembly concluded successfully, reaffirming the Association’s enduring commitment to driving positive change. As it began with elders’ blessings, it fittingly closed with the same tradition, symbolizing continuity and unity.

13/03/2026

From March 9–12, 2026, the UNICEF Oromia Field Office, together with the Gurmuu child protection team, carried out a monitoring visit to the child protection project funded by the FCDO in Wayu Tuka and Leka Dulacha woredas of East Wollega Zone, as well as Gurmuu’s Nekemte Field Office. The visit focused on several key areas, including the delivery of child protection case management services, partner collaboration and responsibilities, case referral systems, prevention and awareness initiatives, documentation practices, the functionality of coordination platforms, community-based child protection structures, socio-emotional and parenting skills sessions, the establishment and effectiveness of social work corners, and progress on the construction of Child-Friendly Spaces.
UNICEF team provided constructive feedback and highlighted important lessons learned, which the Gurmuu team received with great enthusiasm. We are committed to addressing the identified gaps, strengthening our systems, and sustaining the organizational achievements demonstrated during the visit. We sincerely appreciate the UNICEF team for their insightful and robust feedback, which will further enhance our child protection services in conflict-affected communities across the target woredas.

10/03/2026

04/03/2026

Today March; 4, 2026, Gurmuu Development Association supported students with disabilities by providing essential assistive devices—wheelchairs and walking sticks—to 5 boys and 2 girls , 7 total students, at Jarmat Primary School in Jardaga Jarte woreda. Access to these devices is vital, as it enables children with mobility challenges to move safely, participate fully in class, and engage equally with their peers. This support strengthens inclusion, boosts confidence, and ensures every child has an equal opportunity to learn and thrive.

17/02/2026

Gurmuu Development Association with Collaboration with EECMY/DASSC and HEKS/EPER Ethiopian was launching new project in Horro Guduru Wellega. The project was Integrated humanitarian Assistance to returning internally displaced people in Amuru woreda of Horro Guduru Wellega. The project was funded by EHF/Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund/. The project was warmly opened at Shambu town on 14 February 2026,where all stakeholders from Zonal sectors, Woreda Sectors and organizations' staffs were present and the launching workshop was conducted for half-day. The project was focused on five sectors these are; Agricultural, Health, Multipurpose Cash, Shelter repair, Protection and WaSH. DASSC will implementing Agriculture, Health and Multipurpose Cash, Gurmuu will implement on shelter and HEKS will implement Protection and WaSH sector. these all sector will support each to make the beneficiaries resilient from their current situation. According to defined on the project tittle the project will be target the returnee communities those who dispalaced from their residuancal home due to internal displacement in the woreda. The main objective of the project launching workshop was to aware the zonal, woreda and staffs on the project focus and target. so the participants were well informed and understood the project aim and its objective and the project target.
Generally the project launching workshop was completed through very collaborative and harmonized ways with the partners.

10/02/2026

Responding to Urgent Needs of Conflict-Affected Communities
Gurmuu has timely and effectively addressed the humanitarian emergency in conflict-affected communities of Homa Galessa, Abe Dongoro Woreda, Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia Region. Through the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), funded by FCDO through IRC in partnership with Action Against Hunger (AAH/ACF), we delivered life-saving support in WaSH, education, and protection.
Highlights:
• WaSH: rehabilitated 2 hand pumps, built 2 new water points, constructed child-friendly latrines, and established a Menstrual Hygiene & Health room - reaching 3,104 people.
• Education: restored safe learning spaces at Homa Galessa & Geraro schools, rehabilitated classrooms, and provided desks, blackboards, and school supplies - benefiting 1,139 children.
• Protection: formed child protection committees, strengthened GBV referral pathways, and supported 37 GBV survivors with cash assistance - impacting 3,104 community members.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donor and partners for enabling us to respond to the acute needs of conflict-affected communities. Together, we are restoring dignity, hope, and resilience. 💙

06/02/2026

Gurmuu, in collaboration with stakeholders and the local community, established community-based Child Protection Committees in 32 kebeles across Gawo Kebe, Lalo Asabi, Boji Dirmaji, Nedjo, Gimbi, Leka Dulacha, Wayu Tuka and Kuyu districts. This week, 288 Child Protection Committee members received training on the identification, referral, and support of children affected by conflict and displacement. In the same areas, 64 teachers were selected and trained to provide sustainable Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services in 32 school catchment areas.
These activities were made possible through the financial support of FCDO through UNICEF Ethiopia.

01/02/2026

Gurmuu has successfully completed training for 66 new staff members, including child protection officers, coordinators, social workers, and community facilitators, from January 22 to 27, 2026. This training is part of the child protection project funded by FCDO through UNICEF, which is currently being implemented across eight woredas in the West Wollega, Kellem Wollega, East Wollega, and North Showa Zones of Oromia.
The training focused on the fundamentals of Child Protection, Case Management, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). It was delivered in two sessions aimed at strengthening staff capacity. The objective was to equip participants with the skills necessary to effectively support vulnerable children in their communities and ensure the successful implementation of project activities as planned. The sessions were facilitated internally by Gurmuu’s team of child protection experts, practitioners, and experienced social workers, making the training both interactive and practical.

02/01/2026

Gurmuu, in collaboration with stakeholders, local partners and community figures, has launched a new project today aimed at fostering a resilient and protective environment for children, girls, and women affected by conflict across eight woredas in four zones of Oromia Region: East Wollega, West Wollega, Kellem Wollega, and North Shewa. The project, funded by FCDO through UNICEF, is set to directly benefit 6,600 vulnerable and conflict-affected children. Targeted districts include Leka Dulecha and Wayu Tuka in East Wollega; Gawo Kebe in Kellem Wollega; Boji Birmaji, Gimbi, Nedjo, and Lalo Asabi in West Wollega; and Kuyu in North Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region.

01/01/2026

04/12/2025

Gurmuu is implementing socio-emotional learning (SEL) sessions for children affected by conflict to promote healing, resilience, and social well-being. These sessions help children build confidence, manage their emotions, and strengthen positive social interactions. Our sincere thanks to UNICEF Ethiopia/ECW for their continued support.