Over view 

The steadfast growth of Hiwot and the increasing demand for sexual & reproductive health information and services led to Hiwots expansion in the under served areas of Addis Ababa and other regions. The scope of Hiwot’s work is continually growing. Topics covered now also include social constructions of gender, education, and livelihood activities, in addition to sexual & reproductive health. 

In November 2009, Hiwot Ethiopia was formally registered with the Charities and Societies Agency as an Ethiopian Resident Charity. As of June 2010, Hiwot is implementing projects in Gulale, Yeka, Kirkos, Arada and Bole sub-cities of Addis Ababa, and in Merhabete, Ensaro and Moretna Jeru Woredas, Northern Showa Zone, Amhara Region. These projects are supported by resources from The David and Lucille Packard Foundation, EngenderHealth, the Oak Foundation, Save the Children Sweden and VSO Ethiopia. Hiwot Ethiopia is managed by a Board of Directors, which reports periodically to the organisation’s General Assembly. Both of these groups are made up of volunteers who freely give their time to guide Hiwot Ethiopia and many of whom are the initial founding members of the organisation. Day to day operations are managed by the organisation’s Executive Director. The organisation is then divided into two main operational sections – programmes, and administration and finance, each of which is led by a director. As of June 2010, Hiwot Ethiopia has 32 permanent employees   

Vision    

Hiwot Ethiopia envisages a future where children and youth in Ethiopia live healthy, happy and productive lives 

Mission Statement  

Hiwot Ethiopia’s mission is to work for the positive development of children and youth by, 

• raising awareness of issues affecting children and youth and working to change attitudes and practices that are harmful to children and youth,
• building the capacity and skills of youth and children, partner organisations and its own capacity and expertise, and
• providing practical support and services to children and youth.

Organizational Values & Culture  

Transparency – Hiwot Ethiopia is open and honest in all its operations. It is proactive in sharing information both internally and externally and in encouraging the participation of stakeholders, target groups and staff at all levels in decision making.  

Confidentiality – Hiwot Ethiopia recognises that the issues it deals with are sensitive and respects the confidence of those who participate in its activities, and particularly those who access counselling services.   

Respectfulness – Hiwot Ethiopia values all individuals and treats all those that come into contact with the organization with consideration and respect.    

Commitment – Hiwot Ethiopia is committed to working for the community and works hard to solve the real problems facing target groups.  

Responsiveness – Hiwot Ethiopia is responsive to the needs and aspirations of children, youth and the wider community. It works to address real needs and listens carefully to the views and concerns of target groups and other partners and stakeholders.   

Accountability – Hiwot Ethiopia is accountable to the communities it serves and takes responsibility for meeting the commitments it has made.   

Ethical – Hiwot Ethiopia is committed to taking an ethical approach in all its activities, to acting openly and fairly and to working to for the interests of the community   

Equality of Opportunity – Hiwot Ethiopia works to promote equality of opportunity. It recruits based on merit and is fair and open in offering opportunities and distributing benefits.