Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a nationally registered, women-led Civil Society Organization (CSO) in Ethiopia, dedicated to create a brighter future for children, adolescent girls, youth, women, and vulnerable communities through holistic and inclusive interventions. Since its establishment, ESD has designed and implemented inclusive, evidence-based programs that improve lives, strengthen local systems, and enhance community resilience.

Our journey began in 2007 with a simple yet powerful conviction: every child, woman, and young person deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, realize their potential, and contribute to a more equitable society.

During extensive field visits across Ethiopia’s rural communities, our Founder and Executive Directress, Mrs. Amsale Mulugeta, witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women and children – limited access to education, persistent poverty, and social exclusion. Drawing on her Ethiopian roots, Swiss citizenship, strong academic background, and extensive experience in international development and community engagement, she transformed this experience into a vision for change.

What started as a grassroots initiative focused on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) soon evolved into a broader development movement. Long before national ECCE frameworks were introduced, ESD pioneered community-based early childhood education models in the rural Ethiopia that demonstrated the transformative power of locally driven solutions. These early successes laid the foundation for the organization’s continued growth and expanded mission.

Over the years, ESD has grown into a multi-sectoral organization implementing evidence-based programs that address the interconnected challenges facing children, adolescent girls, youth, women, and vulnerable communities. Through community-centered approaches, we work to reduce inequality, strengthen resilience, expand economic opportunities, and respond to the impacts of displacement, conflict, and climate-related shocks.

Today, ESD operates across the Amhara, Oromia, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Central Ethiopia, and Benishangul-Gumuz regions, reaching more than 1.8 million people. Approximately 61 percent of those reached are girls and women, reflecting our enduring commitment to gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development.

Guided by compassion, innovation, and partnership, ESD continues to invest in people and communities, creating lasting opportunities and building a future where everyone can thrive.