The Sidama Regional State officially launched its Five-Year Early Childhood Development (ECD) Roadmap (2026–2030) on June 24, 2026, in Hawassa.
The event brought together regional government leaders, development partners, technical experts, and stakeholders to strengthen commitment toward improving outcomes for young children.
Opening the event, H.E. Ato Beyene Berasa, Deputy Chief Administrator of Sidama Regional State and Chairperson of the Regional ECD Steering Committee, emphasized the importance of investing in children during their early years. Regional President H.E. Ato Desta Ledamo officially inaugurated the event and called for strengthened collaboration to advance the ECD agenda across the region.
Representative of the African Center for Early Childhood Development (AfCECD) also delivered a message highlighting the Center’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ECD systems across Ethiopia through capacity building, knowledge generation, and partnership development. AfCECD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional governments in advancing quality and equitable ECD services.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the Regional Five-Year ECD Roadmap and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the regional government and five implementing zones, signaling a strong commitment to coordinated implementation.
The roadmap is expected to guide efforts to improve access to quality health, nutrition, protection, and early learning services for young children throughout Sidama Region over the next five years.