Our Story
Founded in October 2021, our journey began with a specialized focus on boarding-based Braille education for blind children in Hawassa.
Our Vision
To see an Organization where every child and youth with a disability thrives in a barrier-free society, fully exercising their rights and reaching their greatest potential within a supportive family and community.
Our Mission
To empower children and youth with disabilities and their families through holistic, community-based support. We work to dismantle social barriers and foster an environment where young people can grow, learn, and lead independent lives.
"Ensuring that visual impairment never stands in the way of literacy."
Core Values
Inclusion
Every child and young person belongs at the heart of their community.
Empowerment
Building the confidence of youth and strength of families.
Equity
Ensuring equal access to health, education, and work.
Dignity
Treating every individual with utmost respect.
Collaboration
Working hand-in-hand with families and partners.
Accountability
Committed to transparency and excellence.
Our Thematic Priorities
We operationalize Social Inclusion through focused, multi-sectorial efforts.
Inclusive Health
We believe that good health is the foundation of a bright future, which is why Solon works to ensure that children and youth with disabilities have the freedom to move, interact, and grow within their own communities. We partner closely with families to provide essential mobility and communication supports that help children explore their world with confidence, while also helping youth master the daily life skills needed to lead self-reliant lives. Beyond our direct support, we act as a vital bridge by providing professional referral services connecting children and youth with disabilities to a trusted network of partner hospitals, specialized clinics, and rehabilitation centers for advanced medical care. By working with local health providers to make their services accessible and welcoming, we ensure that every child and young person receives the respectful, comprehensive care they need to thrive.
Inclusive Education
Education is a fundamental right, not a privilege, yet many children with disabilities remain out of school. Solon works to transform the Organizationn educational landscape by promoting "Schools for All," where children with diverse needs learn alongside their peers. We provide teacher training on inclusive pedagogy, advocate for the removal of physical barriers in school infrastructure, and provide adaptive learning materials. Our goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of their impairment, has the support they need to reach their full academic potential.
Inclusive Livelihood
Economic empowerment is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty for youth with disabilities and their families. Solon creates pathways to financial independence by offering market-driven vocational skills training and entrepreneurship support tailored to the unique abilities of young people. We work with local businesses to promote inclusive hiring practices and provide micro-grants or seed funding to help youth start their own small businesses. By fostering self-reliance, we transform youth from passive recipients of aid into active economic contributors to their communities.
Social Inclusion and Participation
True inclusion goes beyond physical access; it requires changing hearts and minds within the community. Solon actively fights the stigma and discrimination that often isolate children and youth with disabilities. Through community awareness campaigns, cultural events, and sports, we promote a culture of belonging. We ensure that persons with disabilities are not just "present" but are active participants and decision-makers in social, religious, and civic activities, ensuring their voices are heard at every level of Organizationn society.
Empowerment
Empowerment at Solon is about building the inner strength and legal awareness of youth and their families. We provide leadership training and self-advocacy workshops that teach young people to understand their rights and speak up for themselves. Simultaneously, we empower parents and caregivers through support groups and capacity-building, giving them the tools to become the strongest advocates for their children. By fostering a sense of agency, we ensure that the next generation of Organizationns with disabilities can lead their own journey toward equality.
CBR Coordination
At the core of our strategy is Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Coordination, which ensures that our services are integrated, local, and sustainable. Solon acts as a bridge between families, government sectors, and non-governmental partners to create a seamless "safety net" of support. By training community volunteers and coordinating multi-sectorial efforts in health, education, and social services, we bring rehabilitation directly to the doorsteps of those who need it most, ensuring no child or youth is left behind due to their geographic location.
The Heart of Our Work
Our dedicated team of professionals work tirelessly to bridge the gap between service providers and the community.
Shimels Ashagre
Vice President
Gezehagn Tesfaye
Excutive Director
Daniel Feye
Project Coordinator