By: Yitbarek Tekalign

Today, Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) officially launched the Lega Tafo–Lega Dadi Youth Social and Economic Empowerment Project Phase II (LYSEE 2.0) at a ceremony held in Eekkaa Xaafoo Sub City of Shaggar City. The project is financially backed by Awash Bank and implemented in close collaboration with relevant government stakeholders to promote youth employability and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The launch event brought together senior government officials, development actors, and partners, including H.E. Mr. Tsehay Shiferaw, Chief Executive Officer of Awash Bank; Dr. Teshome Adugna, Mayor of Shaggar City; and Mrs. Lensa Gudina, Managing Director of Gudina Tumsa Foundation. Representatives from Oromia pertinent bureaus, Shaggar City Administration, Eekkaa Xaafoo Sub-City Administration, partner institutions, and media outlets were also in attendance.

Although the official launch was held on this date, implementation of LYSEE 2.0 had already begun prior to the ceremony, following extensive preparation and coordination with local concerned bodies. The launch therefore marked an important formal milestone, reaffirming commitment, partnership, and shared ownership among stakeholders.

LYSEE 2.0 builds on the strong achievements and lessons of the first phase of the project, during which more than 700 unemployed young women and men were empowered through market-oriented vocational skills training in areas such as pottery, bamboo crafts, weaving, basketry, and garment production. The first phase demonstrated that targeted skills development, combined with strong coordination and institutional support, can lead to meaningful and sustainable youth employment outcomes.

The second phase sets an even more ambitious vision, aiming to empower 1,500 youths through practical vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and access to sustainable livelihood opportunities. With a total project budget of ETB 35,340,445 and a planned implementation period of five years, LYSEE 2.0 seeks to deepen impact and expand opportunities for marginalized youths in Eekkaa Xaafoo Sub-City.

In her keynote address, Mrs. Lensa Gudina, Managing Director of Gudina Tumsa Foundation, expressed her sincere appreciation to Awash Bank for financing the project and recognizing the importance of investing in youth-led transformation. She also acknowledged the consistent and constructive support of Shaggar City Administration, noting that GTF’s long-standing work in the area has been strengthened through trust, collaboration, and shared commitment.

Mrs. Lensa emphasized that LYSEE 2.0 reflects the power of collaboration among government institutions, the business and financial sector, and civil society organizations. She highlighted that when these actors work together with a shared vision and responsibility, they can create real and lasting change for communities. She further noted that the project is not only designed to deliver direct benefits but also to serve as a model for sustainable and transformative development through partnership.

 Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Tsehay Shiferaw, Chief Executive Officer of Awash Bank, expressed his satisfaction in supporting the project and commended Gudina Tumsa Foundation for its impactful and results-oriented work. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to continuing its support for initiatives that generate tangible social and economic benefits, particularly those that empower young people and strengthen local livelihoods.

Dr. Teshome Adugna, Mayor of Shaggar City, also addressed the gathering, expressing pride in the visible contributions of Gudina Tumsa Foundation to youth empowerment in the city. He praised the Foundation’s practical and transformative interventions and reaffirmed the City Administration’s readiness to continue standing alongside GTF to ensure the project’s success and sustainability.

The launch ceremony provided a valuable platform for collective reflection, shared learning, and renewed commitment among all stakeholders. Media coverage of the event helped highlight the importance of LYSEE 2.0 and its role in advancing inclusive, sustainable development for young people in Shaggar City.