As part of our community engagement strategy, we organized public edutainment events in collaboration with the South Wollo Traditional Music Band to raise awareness among both IDP and host communities on SGBV prevention. These events combined cultural expression with educational content, making the learning process more accessible, participatory, and impactful.
The celebrations were conducted on July 20–21, 2026 across multiple venues:
July 20: Gerado IDP centers, Gerado Monday Market, and Piazza area of Dessie town.
July 21: Degan IDP centers, Degan town, and Piazza & Bus Station areas of Kombolcha town.
The events featured a variety of interactive formats, including:
Drama performances that illustrated the consequences of SGBV and the importance of prevention.
Music and cultural shows delivered by the South Wollo Traditional Music Band, which attracted large audiences and created a vibrant atmosphere.
Question-and-answer sessions that allowed participants to engage directly, clarify misconceptions, and share personal reflections
Outcomes and Impact
The events successfully reached thousands of community members, including IDPs, host communities, youth, and women.
Participants reported an enhanced level of awareness on SGBV, its impacts, and the importance of collective action for prevention.
The use of cultural edutainment methods proved effective in mobilizing large audiences, fostering dialogue, and encouraging community ownership of SGBV prevention initiatives.
The events were well-organized and widely appreciated, demonstrating the value of integrating traditional art forms with social advocacy.
At the end, the edutainment activities highlighted the power of culture and creativity in addressing sensitive issues such as SGBV. By combining entertainment with education, the events not only informed but also inspired communities to take action. The strong turnout and active participation underscore the importance of continuing such approaches to sustain awareness, strengthen resilience, and promote collective responsibility in both IDP and host communities.
