Our Board Members

Berhanu Geleto

Founder, Executive Director

It gives me immense pride and gratitude to share the story of the Rift Valley Children and Women Development Organization (RCWDO), an organization born out of the desire to address the struggles of the people of the Rift Valley region. Since our establishment in 1993, inspired by the hardships faced by women and children in an environment plagued by climate variability and fragility, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to improving lives. With legal confirmation obtained in 1994, we began operations with a vision to bring hope, resilience, and change to those most in need that are located in rift valley region and other parts of Ethiopia that is hard to reach.
Over the years, RCWDO has encountered its fair share of challenges, particularly due to government restrictions. Despite these hurdles, we persevered and were re-registered twice, in 2009 and 2019, demonstrating our resilience and unwavering commitment to our mission. These milestones are a testament to our organization’s ability to adapt and remain a vital force for good in the communities we serve.
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, partners, and stakeholders, RCWDO has implemented 360+ projects of varying scales, impacting more than 2 million lives across Ethiopia. These projects have reached some of the most remote and hard-to-reach areas, bringing essential services, development opportunities, and hope to communities in dire need. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our journey, particularly our donors, whose steadfast support has been instrumental in making these achievements possible.
However, as a developing nation, Ethiopia still faces significant challenges. Many communities continue to struggle to meet basic needs and overcome systemic poverty. The need for support from all sectors—local and international—remains critical. RCWDO is steadfast in its commitment to addressing these challenges. We believe in empowering communities, fostering resilience, and working towards our vision of a poverty-free, dignified, and thriving just society in Ethiopia.
Our journey has been one of determination, partnership, and impact. But our work is far from over. We call on our existing and potential partners, donors, and stakeholders to join us in continuing to create transformative change. Together, we can ensure that no community is left behind and that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
RCWDO remains committed to being a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. Let us unite to build a better future for Ethiopia—a future where dignity, equality, and prosperity are not aspirations but realities for all.
Thank you.