Held on April 16, 2022 at Ghion Hotel, the GA meeting has been a memorable moment where FGAE veteran volunteers were invited to witness the event and also cast a word of advice. The Assembly was facilitated by Dr. Deribe Workneh, Chairperson of the GA. The President made an opening remark where he underscored the Board’s optimal role in enhancing change management in FGAE. As usual, the plenary heard a set of presentations.
These include: the National Executive Board report by Dr. Wondwossen Assefa, the President of the Association, and Financial report by Mrs. Alemitu Korbu, Treasurer of the Association. A consulting firm called TMS p.l.c., which conducted the 2021 External Audit of FGAE shared their audit findings, and it was learnt from their written opinion that the Association audit was unqualified.
Mr. Getachew Habtie, Executive Director of the Association, on his part details of the 2021 Annual Performance and highlights of the 2022 Business Plan. The ED’s report in particular has pinpointed key strategic areas that were applauded by the GA members. Efforts made to boost local income of FGAE, new initiatives for potential IGA ventures, strengthened harmonization with the MoH, partnership with CSOs and engagement in humanitarian and emergency response of FGAE were the most noted aspects of his presentation. It was inspiring to hear from Mr. Getachew’s report the following:
- As Member Association (MA) of the IPPF, the 2021 performance of FGAE is in a good track. For example, in terms of the amount of CYP provided, FGAE is the 3rd globally and in the 2nd place in the Africa Region (among 43 Member Associations).
- The resource mobilization and fund soliciting effort whereby FGAE has leveraged almost the required amount of money forecasted in its SP2021-2025. This was possible through maintaining partnership with basket donors (EKN, Packard Foundation, DFPA) and succeeding in a dozen of project proposals.
- FGAE’s registered volunteers (more than 20,000) constitute 50% of the entire volunteers found across the 43 countries of the Africa Region.
- The new experience in mobilizing financial, material, and project interventions to people in need and resumption of services in conflict affected sites through fast recovery scheme, staff motivation and leadership by senior management team with a close guidance of the National Executive Board.
Most GA members pronounced the remarkable progresses and encouraging changes happening in FGAE. Others have expressed concern about service fee revision as versus to income collection, the move to serve general population in the Confidential Sex Workers Clinics, and accounting of the contribution of volunteers. In a further remark, participants emphasized that FGAE has to expedite the establishment of FGAE-private to realize its financial sustainability. This special suggestion was noted by the current president as the moving agenda given priority.
After presentation and discussion, the GA proceeded to approve the 2021 report, the 2022 business plan and the 2021 external audit. The three documents were unanimously approved by the GA members.
Voting was part of the main proceedings of event to fill the vacant seat of outgoing and term-ending members of the national Executive Board of the Association. Three replacements were thus made, two representing youth members.
Then, it was time for the guest of honors. The first guest was Mrs. Tsehay Yitbarek, who used to be the first Executive Director, and President of the Association for two terms. As guest of honors, Meaza made her respective impromptu speech. Mrs. Tsehay was so excited that she described her presence in the GA is like a rebirth. She recalled the genesis of FGAE from the 1960’s to late 1990’s. She exalted FGAE’s legacy and recalled its 40th year anniversary where the President of the country was present.
Another guest of honor was Mrs. Meaza Kitaw, who served FGAE for 12 years (three terms) as President and four years as Chair of Addis Ababa Advisory Board. On her part, Meaza made inspiring, motivational, and guiding remarks based on her experience and observation of the current affairs. Like her predecessor, she cited FGAE’s 50 years anniversary during when its Half-Century Journey book was published. Both honorary guests were honored to be part of the 33rd GA of the Association. Meaza in particular appreciated the board for selecting a competent person who assumed the position of Executive Director.
Finally, a recognition ceremony took place. FGAE has awarded a recognition certificate of special contribution in voluntary service. The nominees include individuals that serve In FGAE governance structure at Association and branch levels. These include: Dr. Tizita Gossa, who served one term as President, Dr Girma, who served as Vice-President, Ms. Hawi Solomon who used to be WYAMh chair and youth representative in the National Executive Board, and Dr. Sahle Sita, who chaired the South Branch Advisory Board for three terms. Certificate of Recognition was handed by Dr. Deribe, Chair of the General Assembly as well as Dr. Wondwossen, President of the Association.
Opening and presentation session
Questions and Discussion
Honoured Senior Volunteers
Recognition of Special Service
