Ratson and Save the Children Ethiopia Launch Child-Centered Social Accountability Groups in Bishoftu and Ad’a District

Ratson and Save the Children Ethiopia Launch Child-Centered Social Accountability Groups in Bishoftu and Ad’a District

Adama, Ethiopia — August 3, 2026

In a significant step toward advancing child rights and community-led governance in Oromia, the Ratson Women, Youth and Children Development Programme, in partnership with Save the Children Ethiopia, successfully convened a two-day consultative workshop from July 31 to August 1, 2026, at the Nafilet Hotel in Adama.

The primary outcome of the gathering was the formal establishment of Child-Centered Social Accountability (CCSA) Groups for both Bishoftu City and the surrounding Ad’a District.

Building a Responsive Framework for Children
Social accountability mechanisms work best when they involve the people most affected by public services. By placing children and youth at the core of this initiative, Ratson and Save the Children Ethiopia aim to create a direct link between community needs and local decision-making.

The workshop gathered a diverse group of participants, including:

Representatives from local government sector offices

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

Community and traditional leaders

Child and youth representatives

Throughout the two days, participants evaluated the core principles of child-centered social accountability, clarified roles for team members, and mapped out collaborative channels for evidence-based advocacy with local authorities.

Key Objectives & Next Steps
The newly established CCSA Groups will focus on three core areas:

Service Monitoring: Tracking the accessibility, quality, and responsiveness of public services that impact children (education, health, protection, and community welfare).

Inclusive Budgeting & Planning: Advocating for child-friendly resource allocation and planning within local government institutions.

Meaningful Child Participation: Ensuring young people have formal platforms to voice their perspectives on local policies.

"When communities and local governments collaborate to monitor public services with children in mind, we create a safer, more supportive environment for the next generation."

The launch of these CCSA Groups marks the start of an ongoing initiative to build sustainable, child-responsive public systems across Bishoftu City and Ad’a District.

About Ratson: Ratson Women, Youth and Children Development Programme works to empower vulnerable groups across Ethiopia through targeted development initiatives, social accountability programs, and rights-based advocacy.