1.1. Background
Harotessa Association Ethiopia (HAE) is a non-profit, non-governmental association established by a committed members of the marginalized Gafat Beta Israel Community (GBIC) in 2010.The main objectives of HAE are combating systemic marginalization and social exclusion of the community; promoting educational opportunities for children of the social caste groups; contributing towards the poverty reduction efforts among the GBIC; raising awareness of the GBIC towards the benefits of access to basic services like education, health (family planning, personal and family hygiene and sanitation) and economic empowerment. Ensuring right of the community in terms of land ownership and participation in social and political activities also lies at the heart of the mission of the association. The association has been contributing a lot by alleviating socio-economic problems of destitute mothers, children and youth, expansion of education and health care facilities.

Particularly the association has been doing tremendous contributions on children and adults at risk since its establishment. With its head office based at Hossana town, HAE is currently operating in Hadiya zone at Sorro woreda targeting 10 kebeles and providing awareness raising and training on primary health, non-formal education and capacity building to self-help groups (SHGs). Furthermore, through a pre-primary (Kindergarten) education service located in its head office compound, enrolled children from GBIC living in Hossana town who were not able to get education because of discrimination and social marginalization. Some committed mothers and adolescent girls were also engaged in potter production and making some earning. HAE is promoting social inclusion and gender equality with a continued interaction and advocacy works.