About us
Our story
PADet was established in 1998 with a passion to improve the lives of Ethiopia’s most vulnerable. Our first project in 2001 supported women’s economic empowerment in MukaTuri with just two staff, a few volunteers, and 50,000 ETB in funding. The project helped women form saving and credit associations, shifting their economic and social realities. By 2016, that initial capital had grown into a 600,000 ETB community fund.
From these modest beginnings, PADet expanded to operate in Oromia, Amhara, and Afar, reaching over 24 Woredas with projects spanning health, education, gender equality, and climate resilience.
Vision
PADet envisions a transformed society where children, youth and women are living dignified and secured lives.
Mission
Empower children, youth, and women in their effort to improve their wellbeing through the delivery of inclusive, integrated, sustainable, and quality programs on child protection & development,, sexual reproductive health, prevention of HIV/AIDS, gender equality & women empowerment, sustainable food systems and livelihoods, and the promotion and integration of social accountability.
Values
Our values advance the principles of letting everyone know what PADet stands for, how we behave and our approach in doing humanitarian support. In this regard, PADet subscribes to the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership Standards (HAPs) which espouses the close links between quality, accountability, and results. According to HAPs, improving accountability in a systematic way results in enhanced outcomes, quality and impact. In our actions, we believe in the following core values:
Integrity · Courage of conviction · Transparency · Impartiality · Accountability
Our journey
Milestones since 1998
PADet is founded
A first grant, a first Woreda
50,000 ETB and a single office in Muketuri — the seed of a model built to be handed to communities, not run for them.
Growth without the centre
The community fund passes 600,000 ETB. Decentralized hubs let each Woreda direct its own resources, on its own terms.
24 Woredas, one shared model
Five regions, dozens of local offices, and a single conviction still holding it together: people are the architects of their own progress.
Where we work
24 Woredas, five regions
One decentralized model, coordinated through regional hubs and carried forward by local staff.
- Addis Ababa — Head OfficeCoordination
- Oromia — Mukerti, KersaField office
- Amhara — Dessie, Woldiya, Bahir Dar, AnkoberField office
- Afar — SemeraField office
- Benishangul Gumuz — Opening soon
Our values
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, advocating for honesty, responsibility, and leading by example. Our commitment to integrity ensures credibility in our relationship with stakeholders and the communities we serve.
Courage of conviction
Our commitment extends beyond words; it’s a pledge to stand against poverty and hunger. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the most marginalized, using our conviction as a catalyst for a positive transformation of their lives.
Transparency
Our decisions and actions adhere to a framework of rules and regulations, underpinned by transparency. We provide our stakeholders with accurate, relevant, and timely information, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.
Impartiality
Every individual deserves equal opportunities, free from discrimination. We embrace impartiality, ensuring that our programs and actions benefit everyone, while also giving special focus to the most vulnerable groups in society.
Accountability
We are accountable not only to our organization but to all those affected by our actions. By transparently sharing our progress, acknowledging our challenges, and learning from our experiences, we uphold the trust placed in us.