Thursday, February 1, 2024 GTF Participates on the East Africa Pastoralist Expo Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) proudly showcased its impactful initiatives at the East Africa Pastoralist Expo, a unique event organized by the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands (MILLs) in partnership with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Themed ‘Pastoralism: The East African Mosaic,’ the expo, held from January 26 to February 1, 2024, brought together pastoralist groups from various regions of Ethiopia and IGAD member states, along with policymakers, scholars, senior government officials, development partners, civil societies, private companies, and interested individuals. GTF, renowned for its unwavering commitment to the Karayu pastoralists of Upper Awash Valley, seized this great opportunity to highlight its transformative development work that began in November 1994. Our journey began with the establishment of the first school in Dhebiti village of Fantalle district, marking the commencement of a holistic development approach aimed at addressing the pressing needs of marginalized communities. This momentous occasion not only laid the foundation for the education of Karayu children but also served as a bridge connecting the enigmatic Karayu herdsmen with the broader world. Through pioneering efforts in education and a diverse range of development interventions, GTF has witnessed a profound transformation within the community, empowering them to overcome various challenges. Central to this transformative journey were historic initiatives such as the Dandi Gudina School, women’s empowerment programs, and efforts in environmental conservation, animal health, water resource management and others. During the expo, GTF not only shared its experiences and success stories but also actively engaged with other organizations dedicated to improving the livelihoods of pastoralists. GTF remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable development and continues to serve the marginalized communities particularly in pastoral and agro- pastoral areas.