Yekokeb Berhan, which means “starlight” in Amharic, works to ensure that children and their families have access to high-quality services and are empowered to lead healthy, productive and fulfilling lives. The long-term vision of the Yekokeb Berhan Program for Highly Vulnerable Children is to implement a child-focused social welfare framework in Ethiopia that allows all children, including those who are highly vulnerable to HIV and other crises, to thrive. With funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development, Yekokeb Berhan aims to reach 500,000 highly vulnerable children throughout Ethiopia by strengthening the capacity of government and community systems and structures to deliver essential services and increase resiliency. Led by Pact, FHI 360 partners with Child Fund and other civil society organizations to reach all regions in the country, as well as two administrative towns and 231 selected woredas (districts).
Under Yekokeb Berhan, FHI 360 provides technical leadership in the areas of:
- Database development and strengthening
- Food and nutrition
- Health care
- Protection and legal support
- Psychosocial support
- Shelter and care
- Family-based alternative care for orphans and vulnerable children
- Behavior change communications and national systems strengthening