Gudina Tumsa Foundation - GTF

31/03/2026

At the heart of the Eka Tafo City, the Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) is embarking on a remarkable pilot project that is transforming the way we view agriculture 🌱, a sector that plays a significant role in Ethiopia’s economy 🇪🇹.

Through the introduction of hydroponic and aeroponic systems, powered by AquaGrow technology 💧, GTF, in partnership with Innovate Future Africa, envisions an efficient, scalable, and consistent model that can help shift the country’s predominantly rain-fed and subsistence farming practices.

As the impacts of climate change 🌍 are increasingly felt across the country and smallholder farmers become more vulnerable to shocks, this project aims to strengthen resilience while empowering local farmers through knowledge transfer in modern farming techniques and sustainable practices 🌾.

Check out the video below to see the promising start of our project and what we aim to achieve through this initiative! 🎥✨

12/02/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
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As the fresh air of Eekkaa Xaafoo gently swept across the compound this morning, it carried with it more than the scent of a new day. It carried the spirit of 186 determined young graduates stepping into brighter futures. The graduation ceremony of trainees under the Lega Tafo Lega Dadhi Youth Social and Economic Empowerment Project Phase II, implemented by the Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF), unfolded in a warm, colorful, and deeply inspiring atmosphere.

According to Mr. Deme Debela, Livelihood Development Program Manager at GTF, the ceremony was a vivid moment where dreams were no longer distant hopes but visible, practical realities. Youth who once faced uncertainty now stood proudly equipped with skills, confidence, and new opportunities ahead of them.

A total of 186 youths successfully completed their vocational training in five different skill areas:
👉 Garment skill: 40 graduates,
👉 Weaving skill: 56 graduates
👉 Bamboo work: 37 graduates
👉 Pottery: 41 graduates
👉 Basic computer skill: 12 graduates

Out of the total graduates, 163 or 89 percent were female, reflecting the project’s strong commitment to empowering young women through practical and life changing skills.

During the ceremony, representatives from various government sectors, the Oromia Regional State, Shaggar City Administration, Eekkaa Xaafoo Sub City, Awash Bank, and other stakeholders gathered to celebrate the achievement and discuss the graduates’ future pathways. The central focus of the discussion was how each institution could support the graduates in securing employment or starting their own businesses.

Encouragingly, owners of textile manufacturing companies have pledged employment opportunities for the graduates. 𝐋𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐋𝐂 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟑𝟒 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬, with four in weaving and thirty in garment production. These announcement filled the graduation hall with applause and renewed hope, as many graduates saw immediate pathways into employment. 👏✨

Mr. Deme noted that the ceremony also included an exhibition of products created by the trainees, showcasing their creativity, discipline, and newly acquired expertise. “This is a great opportunity for them to demonstrate their skill and wisdom,” he said, emphasizing that the training was not only about employment but about restoring dignity and self-reliance.

Those who once depended on others now stand ready to support themselves and even their families. Through months of vocational and entrepreneurship training, these youths have transformed from uncertain beginnings into confident builders of their own futures. 🌱

Today’s event was more than a graduation. It was the celebration of young people who completed their training under the project and are now ready to step into employment, enterprise, and new opportunities. In the lively hall of graduation ceremony, hope was stitched into garments, woven into fabrics, shaped in clay, carved in bamboo, and coded into digital skills.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐭! ✨

12/02/2026

Happening Now 🌱
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Right now, joy is rising in Eka Tafo Sub-City of the Shaggar city, where Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) is undertaking youth social and economic empowerment. Applause wraps around courage. Certificates meet calloused, creative hands.

Today, the youths step forward, not just as graduates, but as weavers of hope, makers of garments, shapers of clay, builders of bamboo, and coders of new beginnings.

From months of discipline and learning, a future is being unveiled,
one stitched with skill, strengthened by entrepreneurship, and powered by resilience.

The hall hums with pride smiles; Trainers cheer.

From hopeless to hopeful, a generation stands taller, ready to shape their own future.

Today marks the graduation of 186 youths from the Lega Tafo Lega Dadhi Youth Social and Economic Empowerment Phase II batch, celebrated here in Eka Tafo, where GTF continues to invest in transforming young lives through practical skills and opportunity.

The graduates are trained in the following vocational skill areas:
👉 Garment Skill
👉 Weaving Skill
👉 Bamboo Skill
👉 Pottery
👉 Basic Computer Skill

This is more than a graduation; it is a beginning happening now. ✨

Stay tuned as we will also post detailed updates after the event.

05/02/2026

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐆𝐓𝐅 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲
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Werka Town in Nensebo District, West Arsi Zone, marked a historic moment today as the Model Community Pharmacy was inaugurated in a colorful and culturally rich ceremony organized by the Gudina Tumsa Foundation as part of its Dodola and Nansabo Integrated Community Development Program. The event brought together senior government officials from Oromia Regional State, West Arsi Zone, and Nensebo District, along with community elders, religious leaders, partners, beneficiaries, and GTF leadership and staff, united by a shared commitment to improving healthcare access in one of Oromia’s hard-to-reach areas.

Opening the ceremony, Mr. Iyobed Yonas, Programs Director of Gudina Tumsa Foundation, expressed satisfaction at seeing the pharmacy has officially begun service, describing it as a meaningful milestone for both GTF and the people of Nensebo District. He noted that the pharmacy directly responds to long-standing healthcare access challenges and briefly highlighted GTF’s broader integrated work in the district, including youth empowerment, education, livelihoods, environmental protection, and healthcare. He emphasized that the facility is a key health intervention under the Dodola and Nansabo Integrated Community Development Program and reaffirmed GTF’s commitment to walking closely with marginalized communities.

Mr. Teklu Hailu, GTF Healthcare, Environment and WASH Program Manager, explained that the Model Community Pharmacy was constructed to national standards to ensure safe and reliable access to essential medicines. He stated that the facility was fully financed by GTF with a budget of 6,514,192.97 ETB and is expected to directly benefit 42,360 people, significantly reducing long-distance travel for medicines and lowering out-of-pocket health expenses.

Mr. Bariso Bamme, Head of Nensebo District Administration, praised GTF for the high-quality facility, stating that it will play a major role in improving healthcare services and remain a lasting contribution to the district. Mr. Mohammed Gemedi, Head of West Arsi Zone Health Office, noted that the pharmacy responds to persistent community concerns and stands out as a purpose-built, standard-compliant facility, unlike many rented pharmacies in the zone. Mr. Ahmed Hussen, Head of Nensebo District Health Office, recalled the hardship residents faced traveling long distances for medicines and said the pharmacy eases this burden, adding that GTF also plans further support, such as water supply and solar power for health facilities. Mr. Bediru Hassen, Mayor of Werka Town, described the pharmacy as a crucial relief for the community and thanked GTF for its wider development efforts in Werka. Mr. Mohammed Ushato, Senior Advisor to the Head of West Arsi Zone Administration, reaffirmed that Nensebo is among the most challenging districts to access and praised GTF for demonstrating true community stewardship by investing where needs are greatest.

As community celebrations filled the day, the new Model Community Pharmacy stood as a symbol of dignity, access, and hope, and a living testament to Gudina Tumsa Foundation’s mission of serving marginalized communities through sustainable and integrated development initiatives.

Dive into the full story here 👉: https://gudinatumsafoundation.org/2026/02/05/cpi/ ‎

05/02/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖 | 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐖𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐚 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐬𝐢
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Guided by its enduring motto “𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝,” Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) is today marking a proud milestone as the inauguration of the Werka Model Community Pharmacy is officially underway in Nensebo District, Werka town, one of the hard-to-reach areas of West Arsi Zone.

The ceremony is bringing together senior government officials from Oromia Regional State, West Arsi Zone, and Nensebo District, alongside community leaders, beneficiaries, and partners. Members of the GTF management team and project staff are also present, reaffirming the Foundation’s strong commitment to walking hand-in-hand with communities from vision to reality.

Nestled in the green highlands of Werka Town, where farming and coffee production shape everyday life, the newly constructed pharmacy stands as a symbol of dignity, access, and hope. For years, the community faced serious challenges due to the absence of a standard public pharmacy, forcing families to travel long distances and incur high out-of-pocket health expenses.

According to Mr. Teklu Hailu, Healthcare, Environment and WASH Program Manager of GTF, the Model Community Pharmacy is quite different from others due to its size and comprehensive facilities, and he highlighted that the overall quality of the construction and service standard is very high, making it one of its kind in similarly remote settings.

The pharmacy was fully funded by Gudina Tumsa Foundation with a total budget of 6,514,192.97 ETB and constructed in line with national standards to ensure sustainable and reliable access to essential medicines while strengthening the community health system.

Constructed over six months with close collaboration between GTF, local government, and community stakeholders, the pharmacy replaces a previously rented, sub-standard service point that ceased to exist following urban corridor development.

As traditional rhythms, warm community smiles, and words of gratitude fill the air in Werka Town today, the Model Community Pharmacy rises not just as a building, but as a promise fulfilled for the people of Nensebo District.

📌 Stay tuned for more updates and detailed news as the inauguration concludes.

04/02/2026

03/02/2026

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚: 𝐆𝐓𝐅 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭
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Today, the Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) officially launched the Bodji Integrated Community Development Project (BICDP) at the Grand Hotel in Gimbi town, West Wollega, marking the start of a three-year journey through 2028 to empower marginalized communities in the Bodji Dirmaji and Bodji Chokorsa districts. The event brought together senior officials, religious leaders, development partners, and community representatives committed to building resilience, dignity, and self-reliance.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Deme Debela, GTF’s Livelihood Development Program Manager, highlighted the foundation’s more than three decades of experience and the success of earlier pilot projects that shaped this integrated approach. He reaffirmed that GTF continues to be guided by the vision of Reverend Gudina Tumsa, centered on justice, human dignity, and self-reliance.

Mr. Feyisa Hambisa, Head of the West Wollega Office of Agriculture, described the project as a “marvelous opportunity” for marginalized communities and urged all sectors to take collective responsibility for its success. Mr. Dereje Gudina, Head of the Zonal Job Creation Office, emphasized that the project’s integrated nature provides a strong foundation for long-term development and called on stakeholders to use this opportunity as a platform for transformation, particularly for people in need.

The project will directly support 16,000 beneficiaries and indirectly reach an estimated 40,000 people by strengthening food security, expanding economic opportunities for women and youth, and improving access to clean water, health services, and quality education. Participants also highlighted that the total project budget exceeds 52.2 million ETB, reflecting the significant investment being made in community development.

As the workshop concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, participants reaffirmed their commitment to carry forward the legacy of Reverend Gudina Tumsa and build inclusive, self-reliant communities beyond 2028.

Dive into the full story here: https://gudinatumsafoundation.org/2026/02/03/bicdpl/

03/02/2026

HAPPENING NOW

Empowering communities and serving the marginalized! 🌍✨

We are officially live from the Grand Hotel in Gimbi Town for the launch of the Bodji Integrated Community Development Project (BICDP). Hosted by Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF), this program launching brings together government officials, local religious leaders, partners, and community stakeholders to kick off a transformative journey for the Bodji Dirmaji and Bodji Chokorsa districts of West Wollega through 2028.

✅ The program will be life-changing and is set to positively impact tens of thousands in truly marginalized communities. Opening remarks will set the stage, followed by a deep dive into our 3-year Integrated Community Development Program. Interactive sessions will engage participants to align our roles in improving lives and ensuring meaningful and lasting community impact.

As we carry on the legacy of Rev. Gudina Tumsa, our goal remains clear: to see these communities empowered, resilient, and capable of leading their own development.

Stay tuned for more updates! 📸🤝

01/02/2026

𝐆𝐓𝐅 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
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Yesterday, against the breathtaking view of Bishoftu Lake and the surroundings of the Pyramid Resort, a pivotal moment for regional development unfolded as the Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) officially unveiled a suite of evidence-based policy briefs under the Healthcare and Livelihood Improvement Advocacy Project in Oromia (HaLIAPO). The natural beauty of the lake and the resort created an inspiring atmosphere that impressed all who gathered, setting the tone for a day focused on progress and practical solutions for the future of the region.

The gathering brought together high-level officials from the Oromia Regional State and representatives from financial institutions, making it a meeting not only of ideas but of decision-makers with the power to turn research into action. Backed by the Gates Foundation, GTF has been working closely with the Oromia Regional State Office of the President to translate rigorous data into a clear and practical roadmap aimed at improving the lives of the most marginalized communities across the region. The policy briefs presented were based on research conducted in four key areas: agriculture, financial inclusion, women’s economic empowerment, and healthcare and nutrition.

The session opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Iyobed Yonas, GTF’s Programs Director, who reflected on the foundation’s over three decades of service to underserved communities. He emphasized that the true value of the policy briefs lies not in their presentation alone, but in the concrete actions and measurable changes that will follow. His remarks resonated strongly with participants, who expressed their appreciation for GTF’s commitment to accountability and long-term impact.

The meeting was officially opened and chaired by. HE Dr. Otukana Oda, Vice Head of the Oromia President’s Office. GTF’s policy analysts Mrs. Alemi Desta and Mr. Wakgari Kabeta impressively presented the four policy briefs. The presentations were followed by long discussions among participants, who offered encouraging comments and commended the quality, relevance, and practical nature of the policy briefs. They unanimously agreed that the findings conveyed a clear picture of the region and the need for targeted efforts to build on positive trends and to bridge the gaps that remain.

HE Dr. Otukana Oda received the findings with enthusiasm and a strong commitment to collaboration. He underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among all sector bureaus to ensure that the recommendations become an integral part of regional policy and development planning. He also emphasized the need for sector bureaus and institutions to closely collaborate with GTF in its efforts to realize the culture of designing evidence-based policy-making at the regional level.

During his closing remarks, Mr. Iyobed Yonas emphasized once again that the recommendations cited in the policy briefs are not directed only at government sectors, but at all concerned bodies and stakeholders. He noted that some of the findings revealed the need for further study, and as a result, several additional research activities are already underway by GTF in response. He also highlighted that the project’s primary focus remains smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and women, who stand at the center of the foundation’s advocacy and development efforts.

He concluded by calling on all participants to join hands in transforming the research findings into practical and measurable actions. As the sun began to set over Bishoftu Lake, the atmosphere remained one of optimism and shared responsibility, with a clear sense of commitment to ensuring that today’s policy efforts lead to tangible improvements in the lives of communities across Oromia.