About Us
Our Story: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Over three decades of community-led development across Sidama, SNNPR, and Oromia.
Introduction
Resurrection and Life Development Organization (RLDO) was founded by three volunteer members of the Resurrection and Life Church to help orphaned children and disadvantaged elderly people who lacked any assistance for their livelihood. Since fully transitioning to development work in 1998, RLDO has accumulated credible experience across more than three decades of interventions delivered in collaboration with international, national, and local development actors — implementing projects worth a cumulative 100,000,000+ Ethiopian Birr across its program areas.
RLDO is registered with ethiopia's agency for civil society organizations (federal level) and is a member of Consortium for Christian Relief and Development Association (CCRDA) and Greater Horn of Africa Regional Alliance (GHARA). Governance runs through a General Assembly — the organization's supreme organ — which elects a Board of Management. Day-to-day activities are led by the Executive Director and a program team of 31 support staff.
Vision
A society in which marginalized children, youth, and adults fully attain their needs.
Mission
To enable disadvantaged groups of children, youth, families, and communities in the targeted rural and urban areas of SNNPR to improve their wellbeing through education, health, housing, economic empowerment, skills training, information, and environmental protection services.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Our Journey
Three Decades of Milestones
Founded by three volunteer members of the Resurrection and Life Church to support orphaned children and destitute elderly community members.
First child sponsorship program launched in Hawassa city with Dorcas Aid International.
RLDO fully transitions into a professional development organization, expanding beyond direct welfare support.
Integrated Urban Development Program renovates 98 homes in Hawassa's Misrak sub-city.
Long-running rural education program begins in Melga, Dale, and Wonsho woredas.
RLDO aligns programming with the Millennium Development Goals (historical strategic focus).
Current strategic plan adopted, broadening focus to human rights, civic education, and peacebuilding.
RLDO continues operating across SNNPR, Sidama, and Oromia, re-registered with Ethiopia's Agency for Civil Society Organizations.
Read the full history and current strategic direction.
Explore Our ImpactWhere We Work
RLDO's mandate covers anywhere in Ethiopia, with active programming concentrated in five regions and special emphasis on the most disadvantaged localities.
Who We Work With
RLDO partners with community-based organizations, government sector departments, international and national NGOs and donors, and the private sector — always centered on:
- Low-income households, urban and rural
- Unemployed youth and adults
- Orphaned and vulnerable children
- Pre-school and school-age rural children
Join Us in the Work Ahead
Whether through giving, partnership, or volunteering, there's a place for you in RLDO's next chapter.