We believe that communities are at the heart of protecting children. That’s why we promote community-led approaches to prevent and respond to child protection risks, supporting local actors to create safer environments where children can thrive.
We begin by mapping existing child protection structures and facilitating dialogues among community members and key stakeholders. These discussions help uncover the root causes that place children at risk, identify capacity gaps, and drive locally-owned solutions. Through this process, we support integrated, community-led interventions that are sustainable and responsive to local realities.
ChildFund implements this approach across 5 regions (Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, and Addis Ababa) actively engaging government bodies, civil society, and community-based organizations in the protection of children.
Learn more: A Study on Community Based Child Protection Mechanisms in Ethiopia

Child protection systems function best when their individual components strengthen and reinforce each other. Our interventions focus on how and where we can complement work already underway by government, institutional donors, the private sector, our local partners and communities to strengthen those systems. Collaborations include community-based child protection mechanisms, public awareness campaigns, data collection and research, advocating for improved laws and policies.
For example, through the Joining Forces Alliance, we are working with the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, our local implementing partner Tesfa Berhan Child and Family Development Association, to implement a Child Protection in Emergencies project. This project provides life-saving assistance to children and adolescents affected by humanitarian crises in 5 woredas (districts) in North and South Wollo Zones in Amhara Region, since July 2022.
Learn More:
Joining Forces to Protect Children in Crisis in Amhara Region
Youth lead the fight against child trafficking in Ethiopia

Our work in humanitarian situations includes preventing and responding to abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of violence in protracted situations. After a disaster or amid conflict, migration or other crises, children need tangible relief items, but just as importantly, they need psychological and emotional support.
Featured Project: Play Matters Project in Amhara Region
This International Rescue Committee-funded project rehabilitated 10 schools (5 in Mersa and 5 in Woldia) in the Amhara Region, which were affected by conflict. The interventions included repairing damaged classrooms, providing furniture and scholastic materials, school uniforms, dignity kits, school feeding programs, WASH facilities, and teacher and student training on pedagogy and learning through play techniques. As a result, school attendance increased to 100%, up from 85%, reaching 10,136 students and ensuring continued learning even after the conflict. Learn More.

Our child protection and inclusive development work supports children and young people to learn to use their voices to enhance their own protection. Children’s experiences and perspectives inspire adults to understand that change is possible and turn hope into action. Our Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE) project in Amhara works directly with communities to prevent child trafficking and support survivors to restore their lives. Children, youth and community members come together to address trafficking as well as early marriage, drug abuse, child labor and all other forms of exploitation and violence.
Learn More: Youth lead the fight against child trafficking

ChildFund champions children’s rights through strong advocacy initiatives implemented in collaboration with local partners and peer organizations such as the Joining Forces Alliance. We support child-led advocacy, enabling children to meaningfully engage with decision-makers at local, regional, and national levels.
Our advocacy efforts focus on raising community awareness about key child protection risks, especially in conflict-affected areas, and equipping children with life skills training to help them navigate and overcome challenges.

Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (OSEAC) is an escalating threat in Ethiopia. According to the Disrupting Harm study (2021), 10% of internet-using children aged 12–17 in Ethiopia (300,000 children) have experienced some form of OSEAC. Reported violations include unwanted requests for sexual images or videos, blackmail and non-consensual sharing of explicit content.
In response to this issue, ChildFund, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, Ethiopia Information Network Security Agency (INSA), Ethio Telecom, the Addis Ababa City Administration, and the Children’s Parliament, is implementing a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder project to protect children from online harm. This initiative aims to enhance access to knowledge by equipping children, caregivers, and communities with accurate, age-appropriate information on online risks and protective behaviors. In parallel, it trains teachers, government actors, and community leaders to prevent, identify, and respond to online sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Additionally, it strengthens legal and institutional frameworks while promoting child participation to help shape safer and more inclusive digital spaces.