OWS Development Fund

OWS Development Fund OWS Development Fund is one of the leading aid and development organizations in the Ethiopian Somali Region.

Our primary goal is to eliminate poverty in the region by focusing on long and short-term development programs.

Empowering Educators to Support Student Wellbeing in Dawa, Dollo, and Nogob We are proud to announce the successful comp...
30/03/2026

Empowering Educators to Support Student Wellbeing in Dawa, Dollo, and Nogob

We are proud to announce the successful completion of targeted capacity-building initiatives designed to prioritize Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) within our school communities. Recognizing that a child’s emotional health is fundamental to their academic success, these activities focused on equipping frontline educators with the specialized tools needed to foster resilient learning environments across the Dawa, Dollo, and Nogob zones.

The first major milestone involved technical capacity-building training for 100 teachers. This session focused broadly on MHPSS integration and the implementation of capacity-building approaches that place student wellbeing at the center of the classroom experience. By strengthening the technical skills of these educators, we are ensuring that schools remain a safe haven where social and emotional needs are addressed alongside traditional subjects.

Project Launch Announcement | Strengthening Refugee Assistance in Somali RegionOn Monday, March 23, 2026, OWS Developmen...
30/03/2026

Project Launch Announcement | Strengthening Refugee Assistance in Somali Region

On Monday, March 23, 2026, OWS Development Fund (OWS-DF), in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), officially launched the WFP-funded project titled: “Refugee Assistance with General Food Distribution and School Feeding in Five Camps/Settlements.” The launch workshop was held in Jigjiga City, bringing together key humanitarian and government stakeholders.

The event convened representatives from WFP Jigjiga, Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), UNHCR, Woreda Education Offices, DECAC-led school directors, Camp Coordinators, and OWS-DF teams from both field locations and headquarters. The workshop marked a significant step toward strengthening collaboration and aligning priorities to deliver timely and effective support to displaced communities.

Over the one-year implementation period (January–December 2026), the project will provide integrated support through General Food Distribution (GFD), School Feeding, and livelihood interventions across Mirqaan, Hegale, Kebribeyah, Awbarre, and Sheder camps.

Participants engaged in productive discussions on implementation strategies, coordination mechanisms, and operational challenges. Insights from the first three months of implementation were reviewed, helping to refine approaches that enhance service quality, improve efficiency, and ensure food standards are maintained.

The workshop also reinforced accountability and partnership among stakeholders. Clear roles and responsibilities were established, feedback mechanisms strengthened, and practical recommendations consolidated into actionable next steps.

OWS-DF remains committed to supporting refugee communities, promoting self-reliance, and delivering impactful, transparent, and sustainable humanitarian assistance throughout 2026.

Advancing Community-Led Efforts to End FGM in the Somali RegionOn February, a high-level advocacy event was held in Jigj...
19/02/2026

Advancing Community-Led Efforts to End FGM in the Somali Region

On February, a high-level advocacy event was held in Jigjiga under the theme, There is no end to FGM without sustained commitment and investment.”The event was organized by the Somali Regional Women and Children Affairs Office with the support of partner organizations, including OWS Development Fund.

The program brought together government representatives, religious leaders, community volunteers, civil society actors, and development partners to strengthen coordinated efforts toward the elimination of Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM). During the event, the Regional Deputy Head of the Office and respected religious leaders delivered key messages emphasizing the importance of sustained commitment, community engagement, and investment in prevention initiatives to permanently end FGM.

Participants actively engaged in discussions, exchanging experiences and best practices on community awareness, survivor support, and policy implementation. The dialogue reinforced the critical role of collaboration between government institutions, faith leaders, community structures, and development partners in addressing harmful traditional practices.

OWS Development Fund contributed to the success of the event by providing visibility and awareness materials, including T-shirts, scarves, and caps, to promote unified messaging and community mobilization.

This event marked an important step in strengthening collective action and reaffirmed stakeholders’ commitment to accelerating progress toward a future free from FGM in the Somali Region.

🌙 Ramadan Mubarak!May this blessed month bring peace, compassion, and renewed hope to all our communities.
17/02/2026

🌙 Ramadan Mubarak!
May this blessed month bring peace, compassion, and renewed hope to all our communities.

Rooted in Community: OWSDF Joins Forces with Local Experts to Support Educational Reform in the Somali RegionEducation i...
17/02/2026

Rooted in Community: OWSDF Joins Forces with Local Experts to Support Educational Reform in the Somali Region

Education is the backbone of a thriving community. On February 10, 2026, OWSDF was proud to co-facilitate and sponsor the Hiraad Education Forum in Jigjiga.

We brought together the region’s brightest minds from policymakers to local educators to take an honest look at our education system. We didn't just discuss the "impediments"; we celebrated the "achievements" and mapped out a clear path for future "efforts".

At OWSDF, we don’t just work for the community; we work with the community. We aren't just sponsoring an event; we are investing in a collective vision for better schools and brighter futures.

We are proud to partner with the Hiraad Institute for Public Policy Studies, the University of Kabridahar, and our fellow sponsors to ensure that the "efforts" discussed today become the "achievements" of tomorrow.🎓✨
By supporting forums like this, OWSDF remains rooted in the community, listening to the needs of educators and families to ensure our support goes where it’s needed most.

Successful Completion of Parent–Teacher–Student Association (PTSA) Capacity-Building TrainingsOWSDF has successfully com...
04/01/2026

Successful Completion of Parent–Teacher–Student Association (PTSA) Capacity-Building Trainings

OWSDF has successfully completed Parent–Teacher–Student Association (PTSA) capacity-building trainings in Danot, Bokh, and Galhamur Woredas, marking an important milestone in strengthening school governance and community participation in education.

Implemented under the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) project, the trainings supported sustainable school management by clarifying PTSA roles and responsibilities, strengthening leadership and accountability, and enhancing collaboration among parents, teachers, and students. These efforts reinforce schools not only as learning spaces, but as inclusive and well-governed centers of community development.

Key focus areas included:

• Clarification of PTSA roles and responsibilities

• Strengthening leadership and accountability in school management

• Promotion of safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments

OWSDF extends its sincere appreciation to PTSA members, facilitators, and local education stakeholders for their commitment and active participation. Through collective action, stronger foundations for inclusive and quality education continue to be built.










✨ Happy New Year! ✨OWS Development Fund extends its heartfelt New Year wishes to our partners and communities. May the y...
31/12/2025

✨ Happy New Year! ✨
OWS Development Fund extends its heartfelt New Year wishes to our partners and communities. May the year ahead bring peace, good health, and strengthened partnerships in pursuit of lasting impact.

OWS-DF implemented Campaigns 1 and 2 on Community Awareness and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through a coordinated, multi...
31/12/2025

OWS-DF implemented Campaigns 1 and 2 on Community Awareness and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach in Qarsadula Woreda.

The campaigns engaged relevant government and community stakeholders, including Women’s Affairs, Education, Health, Police, Youth, and Disaster Management sectors, to strengthen community understanding of GBV prevention, protection, and response frameworks.

The initiative enhanced institutional and community capacity on GBV-related issues and reinforced the critical role of collaboration in preventing violence against women and children while promoting safe, inclusive, and resilient communities.

OWS-DF Participation | Awareness Campaign in JigjigaOWS-DF participated as a partner in a four-day awareness creation ca...
30/12/2025

OWS-DF Participation | Awareness Campaign in Jigjiga

OWS-DF participated as a partner in a four-day awareness creation campaign conducted in Jigjiga, in collaboration with HOPE–Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus (HOPE-SBH) NGO, engaging communities through multiple platforms and outreach locations.

The campaign was carried out at two roadside sites, Jigjiga University Sheikh Hassan Yabare Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, and Jigjiga Community School. These engagements provided valuable opportunities to reach students, families, health professionals, and members of the wider community.

Throughout the campaign, partners focused on raising awareness on spina bifida and hydrocephalus, emphasizing prevention, early detection, and the importance of timely care and long-term support.

OWS Development Fund (OWS-DF) was honored to participate in the International Research Conference on Environment and Cli...
18/12/2025

OWS Development Fund (OWS-DF) was honored to participate in the International Research Conference on Environment and Climate-Induced Migration in Eastern Africa, hosted by Jigjiga University. The conference brought together scholars, government leaders, and development partners to share evidence-based insights on climate-driven mobility across the Horn of Africa.

The discussions highlighted the importance of coordinated, data-driven, and community-centered approaches to strengthening resilience and migration governance. OWS-DF values this platform for knowledge exchange and partnership and remains committed to translating research into practical impact.

18/12/2025

OWS Development Fund enhances access to safe and clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for healthier communities.

OWS Development Fund participated in the official launch of the fourth round of the national Polio Vaccination Campaign ...
13/12/2025

OWS Development Fund participated in the official launch of the fourth round of the national Polio Vaccination Campaign in Sitti and Fafan Zones.

The campaign, using nOPV2 and bOPV vaccines, aims to protect children from polio and sustain polio free communities. The launch brought together regional and zonal administrations, health sector leaders, Zonal EPI focal persons, religious leaders, and partner organizations. Their engagement showed strong coordination and shared responsibility.

OWS-DF is working with government health structures and partners to support coordination, planning, and field implementation across both zones. This contribution supports effective delivery and protects the health and future of children in the region.









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Kebele 10
Jigjiga
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+251900644648

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