Youth Connection
Ethiopia has a large youth population, and as the government undertakes extensive development
efforts, youth must be placed at the center of these initiatives. Youth-focused development
policies are essential for sustainable progress.
In this regard, Hundee Development International (HDI) is working to build a bridge between
diaspora youth in the United States and youth in Oromia and across Ethiopia. The Youth
Connection initiative creates platforms where young people can engage in dialogue on current
issues affecting their lives and communities. HDI facilitates online youth membership
registration and coordination to support this engagement.
A key thematic area of the Youth Connection initiative is the organization of youth forums that
encourage discussion on contemporary social, economic, and development issues. In addition,
HDI plans to organize study and exposure tours to Ethiopia for diaspora youth, allowing them to
observe national development projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as well as
historic and cultural sites. These visits foster understanding of their country of origin and create
opportunities for experience sharing and technology transfer.
Similarly, HDI facilitates exchange visits for youth from Oromia and other parts of Ethiopia to
the United States. These visits focus on dialogue with diaspora communities, experience sharing,
skill development, and exploring scholarship opportunities for outstanding youth.