Emmanuel Development Association (EDA) is an Ethiopian-based aid organization that is committed to improving the lives of children, youth, women and families. EDA has been providing care and support to Ethiopian communities since 1996. Over the last two decades, our programs have touched the lives of over 10 million Ethiopians.


EDA takes a holistic approach to improving the lives of disadvantaged Ethiopians. Our organization attains this goal by caring for the most vulnerable and empowering women and families to achieve improved health, wellbeing, financial growth and stability. We believe that the changes we make should be community-led and community based and sustainable. Individuals, families, communities and government agencies all play a role in our projects.


Emmanuel Development Association currently provides aid services to 17 projects across Ethiopia, with major projects in Addis Ababa, the Amhara,SNNPR and Oromia regions. Our programs provide training and ongoing support in the six areas that we believe are most important to the growth and development of our community members.

Our founder and executive director, Dr. Tessema Bekele has brought compassion and a wealth of knowledge in community development into the establishment and growth of EDA. We are an Ethiopian registered charity (#621/2009).


Emmanuel Development Association has been generously supported by the Ethiopian government and a number of international aid organizations including Canadian Feed the Children, Save the Children, USAID, Christian Childrens Fund of Canada, Oak Foundation, Banyan Tree Foundation, Munshen Fur Menshen, Bread for the World Protestant Agency Diakonial Development and the British Council. Visit our Donors Page to learn how you can work along with EDA for children, change and sustainable development in Ethiopia.