Save the Children Receives Certificate of Recognition from the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs

On February 12, 2019, in recognition of the Child Rights Governance Team’s contributions to the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs for Strengthening National Child Rights Systems and Mechanisms over the past years, the Ministry organized a recognition ceremony with the presence of Her Excellency Ms. Almetu Omde- State Minister for Child Affairs.  At the ceremony, the State Minister said, “Save the Children’s Child Rights Governance Program has significantly contributed in strengthening the national child rights systems and mechanisms. More importantly, the organization’s high caliber staff extend technical support to the Ministry on child rights issues, which is much more valuable than financial support.” The State Minister then said this is why the Ministry sought to recognize Save the Children’s contributions.

The recognition was specifically acknowledging Save the Children’s contribution in the development and dissemination of National Child Policy, building the capacity of child rights and protection experts of the Ministry, strengthening Child Rights Committees and supporting the mainstreaming of child rights and protection issues in plans and programs of sector Ministries. It also acknowledged the establishment and strengthening of children’s parliaments to ensure meaningful child participation at all levels.

On the occasion, Ashebir Debebe, Deputy Country Director for Program Development and Quality for Save the Children in Ethiopia, delivered a speech focusing on child rights and protection issues in the country and Save the Children’s new three-year strategic plan starting in 2019. In his remarks, Ashebir underlined that Save the Children has been working with the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs for many years “to implement child focused programs and policies in support of all children.” Ashebir also reaffirmed Save the Children’s commitment to continue working for children in Ethiopia.  Considering the priorities of the Ministry, Ashebir highlighted a number of areas where Save the Children will continue engaging with the Ministry; including supporting the implementation and review of the National Child Policy, private sector engagement in child rights issues, public Investment in Children, establishing and strengthening regional and national child parliaments networks and the General Measure of Implementation of the UNCRC.

In recognition of its support to improve the lives of Ethiopian children, the Federal Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs presented Save the Children a certificate of recognition on the occasion.