By: Yitbarek Tekalign
Yesterday, Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) convened a pivotal Sectoral Activity Planning Meeting for its Healthcare and Livelihood Improvement Advocacy Project in Oromia (HaLIAPO), one of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives. The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including HaLIAPO’s regional advisors, pertinent sector experts and partner representatives, to collaboratively refine and validate strategic activity plans tailored to the needs of communities in Oromia. Opening the meeting, GTF’s Programs Director, Mr Iyobed Yonas, underscored the project’s community-centered approach and the importance of coordinated efforts across sectors to achieve sustainable results.
The discussions focused on a comprehensive framework addressing healthcare, nutrition, agriculture, women economic empowerment and financial inclusion, all of which are essential to improving community well-being and resilience.
The regional advisors presented detailed plans for each sector. The healthcare and nutrition plan looked at strengthening family planning initiatives and the potential of digital health solutions. Women economic empowerment strategies examined informal economic participation and approaches to address social norms limiting women’s roles. Agricultural plans aimed to enhance productivity and improve market access for smallholder farmers, while financial inclusion efforts assessed the challenges associated with warehouse receipt and livestock-based lending systems.
Interactive group discussions were a defining feature of the meeting. Participants formed sector-specific teams to review, debate and refine the proposed activities. This active exchange of ideas deepened the planning process, with sector representatives presenting consolidated feedback to help shape the project’s plan.
In his closing remarks, Mr Iyobed Yonas acknowledged the contributions of all participants and highlighted that a central purpose of this planning meeting was to cultivate a strong sense of ownership of the project among key stakeholders and partners. He also stressed the importance of collaboration and collective responsibility to ensure HaLIAPO’s success.
The meeting reinforced GTF’s commitment to fostering lasting positive impact in Oromia and established a solid foundation for the next phase of HaLIAPO.
