Hilton Foundation Project Launching Workshop

January 6, 2025
OWS HQ Hall
OWS-Development Fund

Background

The Hilton Foundation-funded project, “Enhancing Economic Self-Reliance for Women and Early Childhood Learning Opportunities in Bokh and Danod Woredas of Doolo Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia,” aims to improve livelihoods, education, and protection for vulnerable populations while enhancing community disaster preparedness. This workshop served as the official project launch, uniting key stakeholders to align on objectives, activities, and collaboration mechanisms.

Distinguished Participants

The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from:

Hilton Foundation Project Staff.
Local government representatives from Bokh and Danod Woredas.
Regional Bureaus: BOWCA, DRM & Education.

Program Overview

The workshop commenced with an opening speech delivered by OWS Executive Director Mr. Aden. In his address, he warmly welcomed all attendees and underscored the vital significance of the project in meeting the diverse needs of the community and fostering resilience among its members. His remarks set a positive tone for the event, highlighting the collaborative effort required to address local challenges.

Following Mr. Aden’s introduction, Dr. Abinet, Durable Solution Expert took the stage to provide a concise yet informative presentation about OWS-DF. He elaborated on the organization’s mission and vision, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities through a range of impactful programs designed to create lasting change.

Next, Mr. Mohammed, the Regional Program Head, introduced the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. He outlined the project’s primary objectives, which encompass critical areas such as enhancing livelihoods, improving educational opportunities, empowering individuals, managing disaster risks, and detailing planned activities aimed at achieving these goals. His insights provided attendees with a clearer understanding of the foundation’s strategic focus and the collaborative nature of the initiative.

After a brief coffee break that allowed participants to network and exchange ideas, Ms. Maryan, the Program Associate, guided a session of interactive discussions. Stakeholders from the Bokh and Danod woredas, along with representatives from various regional bureaus, actively engaged in the dialogue. They shared valuable insights, experiences, and suggestions on how to refine implementation strategies, thereby enhancing collaboration and ensuring the project’s objectives align with the community’s needs.

The workshop drew to a close with insightful remarks from the Director of Resource Management. He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility among all stakeholders, the necessity for alignment in efforts, and the value of maintaining sustained partnerships to ensure the long-term success of the project. His closing words reinforced the sense of unity and commitment needed to tackle the challenges ahead and to drive meaningful change within the community.

Key Takeaways

Collaborative Engagement: Stakeholders emphasized the need for strong coordination between woreda representatives and regional bureaus to ensure effective project implementation.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing a robust M&E framework was highlighted as critical to tracking progress and ensuring adaptability.
Community Ownership: Encouraging community participation was deemed essential for the sustainability of project outcomes.
Shared Vision: The workshop reinforced a collective commitment to addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and building resilience.

Conclusion

The Hilton Foundation Project Launching Workshop successfully introduced the project, aligning key stakeholders and fostering a collaborative spirit. Through informative presentations, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the project’s objectives and implementation strategies.

Participants praised the workshop for its clear structure and engaging discussions. Representatives from regional bureaus commended OWS-DF for its commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration among stakeholders. One participant noted, “The Hilton Foundation project is a game-changer for our communities. This workshop not only provided clarity but also empowered us to take ownership of the implementation process.”

With a strong foundation and shared commitment, the project is poised to create lasting, positive impacts on the livelihoods, education, and protection of vulnerable populations in Bokh and Danod Woredas. OWS-DF looks forward to continued collaboration to achieve sustainable and meaningful outcomes for the communities it serves.

Annex-A-Agenda

Time	Activity	Responsible
8:30 – 9:00 AM	Registration and Welcoming	Organizing Team
9:00 – 09:15 AM	Opening Remarks	Executive Director
09:15 – 09:45 AM	OWS-DF Organizational Overview	Durable Soln Exp.
09:45 – 10:30 AM	Project Overview: Objectives and Focus Areas on Key Activities: Livelihoods, Education, Empowerment, and DRM	R-Program Head
10:30 – 11:00 AM	Tea Break	Organizing Team
11:00 – 11:30 AM	Stakeholder Engagement and Q&A	Program Ass.
11:30 – 11:45 AM	Closing Remarks	Director of RM