ICDP trainer, Atnaf Berhanu was in Ethiopia in late January and during February 2026 – read her report below.
The ICDP programme in Ethiopia continues to make encouraging progress. In February 2026, a training with the aim of forming new facilitators was conducted in Awasa in collaboration with the Kingdom Resource Holistic Development Ministry.
A total of 26 participants attended the training, representing five faith-based denominations as well as some school teachers. The participants have 65 children in their care.
Following the completion of their theoretical facilitator training, all participants went on to do their practical work by implementing the ICDP programme with parents. They recruited 12 groups of parents and out of these, 10 groups have already been established, engaging approximately 143 parents with 343 children in their care.
Impact from Previous Facilitator Training
Participants who completed facilitator training in autumn 2025 have made significant contributions by recruiting 99 parents, with 235 children in their care.
Many parents shared that, before joining the programme, they had limited understanding of their children’s emotional and developmental needs. They believed that raising children mainly meant providing food and ensuring they attended school.
Through the training, parents reported important changes in their attitudes and practices. Several expressed that they previously did not allow their children to share their views or participate in conversations. After the training, they have started to listen more actively and engage with their children in a respectful and supportive way. Here is an example of this from one mother who shared her experience: “Before, I did not allow my children to play or talk openly with me because I was afraid of losing their respect. Now, after the training, we laugh together and discuss.”