About Us

we are non-governmental, non-political and non-profit institutions. These development associations play pivotal role by bridging development gaps not covered by the government and other development organizations.

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Bench MAji development Association

Development associations are non-governmental, non-political and non-profit institutions. These development associations play pivotal role by bridging development gaps not covered by the government and other development organizations.Bench Development Association (BDA) was established in 1989 E.C. by the people of Bench Zone to coordinate the community and its potentials to bridge development gaps not covered by the government and others.

Since its inception, Bench maji Development Association (BDA) later on known as Bench Development Association (BMDA) has given a special attention to education (construction of schools) and other development interventions.As exhibited in the documents, in 1996/97 alone, BMDA constructed 11 primary schools and 7 junior high schools by mobilizing the community and its own resources in collaboration with the local government in one month campaign.

Continuing its mission, BMDA has embarked on various self-help projects and donor supported projects, and registered positive results and greatly benefitted the community where development gaps were observed and reached hard to reach areas. The good results were not achieved smoothly, but by overcoming myriad challenges encountered in collaboration with government bodies at all levels, with partners and the community at large.

Our Objective

Improve the socio-economic life of the communities through coordinating integrated efforts of local communities, local government and NGOs for the sustainable life of communities.

Contributions

Spread the word about our program. Even a small donation will make a huge difference.

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Foster Our Performance

The major objective of BMDA is to support the development endeavor of the people and government of Bench Sheko Zone through gap filling activities so that development needs could be addressed in favor of disadvantaged population. This has been true for the last 2 decades by the association. In these years BMDA has frequently tried to improve its strategy in implementing

Our Mission

Mobilize talents and resources of its members to create sustainable development, accessible basic services and bridging gaps through community involvement, capacity building and partnership for the achievement of organizational excellence and outstanding leadership.

Our Vision

BMDA envisions that economic and social problems of the people of the zone that have not been tackled by the government are addressed and sustainable development attained by 2025.

Our Values

BMDA adheres to integrity, accountability, transparency, commitment, mutual respect between and among stakeholders/partners, trustworthiness, and inclusiveness/non-discriminatory.

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Education

Projects accomplished with the cooperation of Glimmer of Hope Foundation (GOHF) are the followings.

  • Mizan Secondary and Preparatory School
  • 2 blocks have been constructed that can accommodate 8 class rooms.
  • 1 library constructed and well equipped.
  • 1 ventilated pit latrine constructed for the use of both teachers and students (separate rooms for male and female)
  • Furniture support was also made to the same school.The total project cost for the constructions and furniture is ETB 2,678,088.00.
  • Construction of Hedasse Primary School (1-8 grades) in Mizan town that cost ETB 500,000.00.
  • In Maji woreda Kusht kebele
  • Construction of 3 blocks of Kusht primary school.
  • Construction of 12 class rooms.
  • Construction of 1 library that is fully equipped.
  • Construction of 2 ventilated pit latrines for both teachers and students (separated with rooms for male and female). The total project cost for the afore-mentioned constructions and equipment is ETB 3,012,137.00.

  • PACT Ethiopia is another major donor that in collaboration with BMDA has constructed 48 Alternative Basic Education schools in all 9 woredas of the former Bench Maji Zone through its project known as TEACH I. and TEACH II. The total project cost of the projects was ETB 8,200,000.00.

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Health

In collaboration with Glimmer of Hope Foundation (GOHF)

  • 1 health center constructed at Kula Gacha in Shey Bench woreda and the total project cost is ETB 2,100,000.00.
  • 4 health posts constructed at Ore and Kusht kebeles in Maji woreda, at Gedu kebele in Debub Bench, and at Dizu kebele in Semen Bench woreda, which are well furnished with all the necessary health equipments. The total cost of the projects is ETB 800,000.00.

In collaboration with PACT Ethiopia

  • 24 ventilated pit latrines are constructed for 12 alternative basic education schools in Maji, Me’enit Goldia, Me’enit Shasha and Bero woredas. The total cost of the project is ETB 1,800,000.00.
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water

In collaboration with Glimmer of Hope Foundation (GOHF)

  • 37 springs capped, 8 hand pumps installed on hand dug wells in 45 localities of Maji, Shey Bench and Semen Bench woredas. The total cost of the project is ETB 5,235,000.00.

In collaboration with PACT Ethiopia

  • 8 springs capped and 6 hand pumps installed on hand dug wells for students at 14 alternative basic education centers in Maji, Bero, Me’enit and Me’enit Shasha woredas. The total cost of the project is ETB 1,200,000.00.
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D. Social Inclusion of the Menja Community; Medical, Material, and Financial Support to Epilepsy Patients

In collaboration with British Council

CSSP 1 Project – this project focused on the inclusion of the outcast Menja community and to raise the awareness of the community. The project vigorously worked on this line and has achieved a very good result in empowering the community and economically empowered the Menja community to include the Menja tribe in Kula Gacha and Zeyagen kebeles of the Shey Bench woreda. The total cost of the project is ETB 1,291,896.00.

 

CSSP SPG Project –The British Council in collaboration with Jimma-Bonga Catholic Secretariat has focused on improving the health of the people suffers with epilepsy in Me’enit Goldia and Me’enit Shasha woredas. The total cost of this project is ETB 1,195,763.00.

 

On the other hand, with ETB 735,729.00 received from Strategic Investment Grant (SIG) and contribution from the zonal administration (ETB 750,000.00), it was possible to support the Menja community and people suffer with epilepsy. In addition to this, educating the children of the Menja community and providing them with uniforms; and support 19 students of the same community at the university and college was another activity carried out.

Future Plan

 

  • Develop the financial capacity of BMDA
  • Broaden membership base by mobilizing the community in a coordinated manner
  • Start construction of BMDA head quarter building as per the plan designed by Mizan-Tepi University when the land for the purpose is secured

Besides seeking for new partners and grants for projects give due attention to local potentials and implement self-help projects.

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