By: Yitbarek Tekalign
Today, in a vibrant ceremony filled with hope and a shared vision for the future, Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) officially launched the Bodji Integrated Community Development Project (BICDP) at the Grand Hotel in Gimbi town, West Wollega. This ambitious initiative marks the beginning of a transformative three-year journey running through 2028, aimed at empowering marginalized communities in the Bodji Dirmaji and Bodji Chokorsa districts of West Wollega. The event brought together senior government officials, religious leaders, development partners, and community representatives, all united by a common goal of building resilience, dignity, and self-reliance among vulnerable populations.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Deme Debela, GTF’s Livelihood Development Program Manager, highlighted the foundation’s more than three decades of experience in serving disadvantaged communities and emphasized the success of earlier pilot projects that paved the way for this integrated development approach in the Bodji Dirmaji district. He noted that the foundation remains guided by the enduring vision of Reverend Gudina Tumsa, which centers on justice, human dignity, and self-reliance. Mr. Deme explained that this vision continues to inspire the foundation and its partners to work tirelessly to expand opportunities and ensure that the most vulnerable members of society benefit from sustainable development initiatives.
Several senior officials and participants described the project as a great opportunity for meaningful change. Among them, Mr. Feyisa Hambisa, Head of the West Wollega Office of Agriculture, referred to the project as a “marvelous opportunity” for marginalized communities and urged all sectors to take collective responsibility for ensuring its success. Similarly, Mr. Dereje Gudina, Head of the Zonal Job Creation Office, emphasized that the integrated nature of the project provides a strong foundation for long-term development and called on stakeholders to make maximum use of this opportunity as a platform for transformation, particularly for people in need.
The project is designed to create tangible and lasting impact by directly supporting 16,000 beneficiaries while indirectly reaching an estimated 40,000 people across the target districts. Through its integrated approach, the initiative seeks to strengthen food security, expand economic opportunities for women and youth, improve access to clean water and health services, and enhance the quality of education. By addressing these interconnected challenges, the project aims to build stronger livelihoods and empower communities to become more resilient in the face of social, economic, and environmental pressures.
The launch workshop featured a lively and engaging panel discussion in which participants openly expressed their appreciation for the work of the Gudina Tumsa Foundation and reaffirmed their strong commitment to support the foundation in every way possible. The discussion reflected a shared sense of ownership and responsibility for the success of the project, with speakers applauding the foundation’s long-standing service to marginalized communities. It was also highlighted that the total budget allocated for the project exceeds 52.2 million ETB, underscoring the significant investment being made to improve livelihoods and strengthen community development efforts in the intervention areas.
As the workshop concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, participants echoed a collective commitment to carry forward the legacy of Reverend Gudina Tumsa. The closing message was clear: the Bodji Integrated Community Development Project is not merely the launch of a development initiative, but the beginning of a shared journey toward building inclusive, self-reliant, and empowered communities capable of shaping their own future well beyond 2028.
