Amhara Development Association (ADA)

About

Amhara Development Association (ADA) is an Ethiopian non-profit organization established in May 1992. The major objective of the organization is to support the development endeavors of the people and government of the Amhara region through gap-filling activities so that development needs can be addressed in favor of disadvantaged population. ADA’s head office is located at Bahir Dar, the capital city of the Amhara National Regional State. ADA has zonal offices in the seven zones of the Amhara Region, branch offices in all woredas (woreda is a local language equivalent to District) and in other regions of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Branch offices at woreda level are managed and respective activities are carried out voluntary by members. It also has overseas offices in few countries of Africa, Europe, America and Asia managed by volunteers. The legal status of ADA has been registered with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Charities and Societies Agency as Ethiopian Residence Association (registration number 1421) with the mandate to implement development activities in the Amhara National Region.

ADA has been working with its members to achieve its core goals goals. In the decades since its establishment, the organization has been able to build and hand over to communities more than 145 schools and 84 heath institutes, equipping them with necessary furniture and equipment.

About Amhara

The Amhara National Regional State (ANRS), with an estimated population of 17.7 million (as of 2002), encompasses Wag Himra, North Wollo, North Gondar, South Gondar, South Wollo, North Shewa, Oromia, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, Awi and Bahir Dar special zone. It covers total area of 161,828.4 square kilometers. This is about 11 percent of Ethiopia’s total area. The Amhara region is located 9°-14° N and 36°-40°E in Ethiopia’s Northwest. The region is divided into three major agricultural climatic zones: highland (above 2,300 meters above sea level), semi-highland (1,500 to 2,300 meters above sea level) and lowland (below 1,500 meters above sea level) accounting 20%, 44% and 28% respectively. This varied ecology lends itself well to diversified agriculture

Mission

To support the development endeavors of the people of Amhara Region in the areas of basic health, basic education, basic skill training and other related development activities, through community participation by mobilizing resources from members, supporters, donors and other income generating sources.

Vision

To see a society that can curb social development challenges on its own by year 2025.

Strategic themes

• Strengthened participation in social development
• Strengthened support in social development.

Objectives

1. To alleviate the poverty and backwardness of the People of Amhara Region by promoting health, education and skill training.
2. To support the participatory community development of the People of Amhara Region professionally, materially and financially.
3. To work in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations which contribute to the development endeavors in the Region.
4. To encourage the initiatives of investors and financiers who wish to indulge in economic and social development in the region.