The Wolaitta Development Association (WODA) has made significant and lasting contributions to expanding access to education and improving its quality across the Wolaitta Zone. Through sustained efforts in school construction, provision of educational materials, and capacity-building initiatives, the association has created opportunities for thousands of students, particularly orphans and children from resource-poor families, to pursue their education at different levels.

Among its major achievements, WODA has maintained 36 schools and constructed 22 new ones, while also establishing four special Wolaitta Liqa Schools in Wolaitta Sodo, Boditti, Areka, and Gesuba towns. These schools provide dedicated support to orphaned and vulnerable students from all woredas of the zone. In addition, the association has supported more than 22,000 orphan and vulnerable children in accessing education and directly assisted 7,329 disadvantaged students to continue their studies from primary to university levels. To further enhance learning environments, WODA has equipped over 150 schools with educational materials, laboratory equipment, reference books, furniture, and blackboards, while also constructing teachers’ residences in three schools and building a public library in Wolaita Sodo.

Beyond infrastructure and access, WODA has played a vital role in improving education quality and community awareness. It has rewarded 1,368 high-performing students, teachers, and school leaders, while promoting mass education and awareness across the sector. The Association has delivered extensive community capacity-building programs, including more than 11,000 local radio broadcasts addressing various socio-economic issues. It has also strengthened the Wolaitta Gutara Training Centre, provided entrepreneurship training for more than 3,000 beneficiaries, and supported over 2,300 micro-entrepreneurs through revolving funds. Furthermore, WODA has contributed to cultural preservation by publishing a book on Wolaitta’s socio-cultural and political history and promoted youth development by establishing and supporting Wolaitta Dicha Sport Club, including male and female football teams and a volleyball team.