Community Care Initiative(CCI)

Every woman deserves safe, respectful, and high-quality care during labour and childbirth. The World Health Organization (WHO) Labour Care Guide (LCG) supports evidence-based labour monitoring, timely clinical decision-making, and woman-centred care to promote positive childbirth experiences and improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of facilitating a Labour Care Guide (LCG) training for staff at Hamlin College of Midwives. The training focused on strengthening the knowledge and practical skills of midwifery professionals in monitoring labour, assessing maternal and fetal wellbeing, identifying potential complications early, and providing respectful, woman-centred maternity care. I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Hamlin College of Midwives for the warm welcome, collaboration, and commitment to strengthening the quality of midwifery education and practice. My heartfelt thanks also go to our dedicated Community Care Initiative (CCI), volunteer, Mr. Addisu Ashngo Quality Supervisor and Menter and Sr.Gezashegn Denekew Vice board Chairperson, whose commitment, expertise, and voluntary service make these valuable contributions possible. This activity reflects the importance of collaboration and partnership in building the capacity of healthcare professionals and improving maternal and newborn health services. We look forward to continuing and strengthening our partnership with Hamlin College of Midwives to promote knowledge sharing, professional development, and sustainable improvements in maternity care. Together, through partnership, volunteerism, and evidence-based practice, we can contribute to safer childbirth and healthier mothers and newborns.

CCI welcomed the Ethiopian New Year by sharing smiles, hope, and care with patients and with the healthcare workers who spend the holiday looking after others. The visit was organised together with the volunteer service team of Dagmawi Menelik Medicine and Health Science College (MIIMHSC — የዳግማዊ ምኒልክ ሕክምና እና ጤና ሳይንስ ኮሌጅ የበጎ ፈቃድ አገልግሎት ህብረት). We are grateful to the MIIMHSC team and everyone who made this event possible, and we wish everyone a healthy, peaceful, and blessed Ethiopian New Year!

We celebrated World Breastfeeding Week 2026 at Zewditu Memorial Hospital under the global theme "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works." The event was organised by Community Care Initiative (CCI) and CORD Consultancy, in collaboration with Action for Social Development and Environmental Protection (ASDEPO) and Zewditu Memorial Hospital. The program opened with a welcoming speech by Mr. Abenet Belay, Labor and Delivery Case Team Coordinator, followed by remarks from Mrs. Emebet Hussen, Executive Director of CCI, who introduced CCI, its mission, and its commitment to maternal and child health. Dr. Tesfay Gemechu, Senior Gynecologist at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, delivered the opening address. The keynote address was jointly delivered by Ms. Hiwot Lambiye, Nutrition Officer at ASDEPO, and Sr. Gezashign Denekew, Vice Board Chairperson of CCI, emphasising the importance of strengthening breastfeeding support for mothers, newborns, and families. Mothers received breastfeeding counselling and practical support, along with educational flyers, postcards, and gifts to reinforce key messages at home and in the community. We sincerely thank the Zewditu Memorial Hospital staff and our dedicated volunteers — Sr. Aster Worku (senior midwife), Mrs. Etagagn Andargie, and Ms. Kalkidan Wondatir (public health nutritionist). Our special appreciation goes to ASDEPO for its partnership, generous support, and continued commitment to the health of mothers and children.

We celebrated World Breastfeeding Week 2026 at Gandhi Memorial Hospital under the global theme "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works." The event was organised by Community Care Initiative (CCI) and CORD Consultancy, in collaboration with Action for Social Development and Environmental Protection (ASDEPO) and Gandhi Memorial Hospital. The program began with a welcoming speech by Mr. Dawit Niku, Labor and Delivery Case Team Coordinator, followed by an opening speech from Dr. Hailgebriel Kidane, Chief Clinical Director of Gandhi Memorial Hospital. The keynote address was jointly delivered by Ms. Hiwot Lambiye, Nutrition Officer at ASDEPO; Mrs. Emebet Hussen, Executive Director of CCI; and Mr. Girma Goshime, Managing Director of CORD Consultancy. Mothers received breastfeeding counselling and practical support, along with postcards, gifts, and educational flyers. We sincerely thank Gandhi Memorial Hospital, our dedicated volunteers, and the health care professionals who made the celebration a success, with special appreciation to ASDEPO for its partnership and generous support.

On March 23, 2026, we proudly celebrated our second International Women's Day event at School of Redemption Secondary High School! Under the inspiring theme "Strong Girls Build Strong Nations," the program featured engaging experience-sharing sessions that empowered and motivated students. The event began with an opening speech by Mr. Gebeyehu Admasu, director, setting the tone for the day. This was followed by a presentation from Mrs. Emebet Hussen, who introduced the community care initiative and shared her experience. We were also honored to host our invited guest speaker, Ms. Saron Melese, AGCCI Alumna and Ambassador, who shared her personal journey highlighting her successes and how she overcame challenges with resilience and determination. During the session, students were encouraged to ask questions, and the team provided clear and informative responses. The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Lamirot Alemenw, counselor, leaving participants inspired and encouraged. We extend our sincere appreciation to School of Redemption management and staff, all speakers, participants, and CCI support group members who made this event meaningful and memorable. Together, we continue to nurture confident and empowered young women. Strong Girls Build Strong Nations. Thank you!

On March 18 2026, we successfully celebrated International Women's Day at Fana 02 Secondary High School with the theme "Strong Girls Build Strong Nations." The program began with a warm welcome address by Mrs. Genet T/Mariam from Fana 02 Secondary High School followed by an inspiring opening speech from Sr. Gezashign Denekew, vice board chairperson of Community Care Initiative who shared her life journey and reflected on the history and significance of International Women's Day. Emebet Hussen Executive Director of CCI presented the profile of CCI and shared her personal experiences. The session then continued with engaging experience-sharing discussions. We were especially honored to have Saron Eshetu, AGCCI Alumina and Ambassador who shared her powerful personal journey. Her story of resilience, growth, and determination truly inspired and motivated the students. She emphasized key messages, encouraging students to manage their time wisely, understand their purpose and plan ahead, continuously learn (including through online platforms alongside formal education), and support one another. Participants were actively engaged throughout the program, gaining valuable insights on confidence, perseverance, and the importance of empowering girls. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to making this event impactful and memorable!

Dear CCI Family, Greetings Today, the CCI team had a productive partnership meeting with #ASDEPO (Action for Social Development and Environmental Protection Organization) and #EHF (Ethiopian Humanitarian Forum), moderated by CORD Consultancy. We had the pleasure of engaging with: •Mr. Ermias, DED, ASDEPO •Dr. Birhanu, PC, ASDEPO •Mr. Sisay, ED, EHF •Mr. Girma, CPE, CORD Consultancy We sincerely appreciate your time, insights, and collaboration. During the discussion, we shared experiences and explored opportunities for future joint initiatives. We are grateful for the chance to strengthen our partnership and look forward to continued collaboration.

Dear CCI family, We are pleased to announce that Community Care Initiative, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and Scopus training and consultancy PLC. The main objective of the agreement is to work together and coordinate on issues related to preventing irregular migration, and on how regular migration contributes to development. This agreement strengthens our joint efforts to prevent irregular migration and promote how regular migration supports development. Together, we commit to coordinated and impactful action. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1K7kmeuswM/