About Us
Established in 1961 in Addis Ababa, GPSDO began as a federation of seven community-based development associations representing the seven houses (territorially defined clan groups) of western Guraghe.
Who We Are
Fekadu Petros & Partners is a leading full-service law firm providing strategic legal solutions for businesses, multinational corporations, financial institutions, NGOs, and individuals operating in Ethiopia. Established in 2011, our firm has built a strong reputation for excellence, professionalism, and client-focused legal services.
Re-established as a full-fledged legal service firm in June 2023, we operate under the Federal Advocacy Service Licensing and Administration Proclamation No. 1249/2021, ensuring compliance with the latest legal frameworks in Ethiopia.
We specialize in corporate, commercial, banking, tax, capital markets, arbitration, employment, real estate, intellectual property, and dispute resolution. Our diverse team of legal experts brings years of experience in litigation, transactional law, and regulatory advisory.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to foster a self-reliant, prosperous society that is free of poverty and inequality.
Through grassroots empowerment, GPSDO works with communities to create sustainable solutions that improve livelihoods, promote human rights, and protect the environment. We focus on education, health, food security, social services, environmental protection, and capacity building, ensuring that every project we undertake reflects the aspirations and needs of the people we serve.
Our Vision
We envision a self-reliant society where poverty and inequality are eradicated, and all people—especially the marginalized—have equal access to opportunities for a better future. Our long-term goal is to create a world where communities are empowered to tackle their own development challenges and sustain their growth.
Our Core Values
Empowerment
We believe in empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their future and well-being.
Sustainability
We prioritize long-term, sustainable solutions that can continue to benefit future generations.
Inclusivity
We are committed to promoting equal opportunities for all, particularly for women, children, and marginalized groups.
Collaboration
We work alongside local governments, international partners, and community members to build effective solutions.
Key Achievements
Over the last 65 years, GPSDO has built a legacy of impactful development work. Some of our key achievements include:
550+ kilometers of all-weather roads
constructed and maintained, connecting remote communities to vital services.
Establishment of 6 high schools,
adult literacy centers, and primary and pre-primary schools, helping thousands of children access education.
Improved access to clean water, electricity
and telecommunication services in rural and underserved areas.
Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV/AIDS
Responding to the SRH and HIV/AIDS needs of Ethiopian and refugee communities
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response
Implementing programs to address SGBV.
Community-based services
Providing a range of community-based services, including rehabilitation, child protection, and MHPSS.
modernization of Guraghe customary law
Facilitated the modernization of Guraghe customary law, promoting legal reform and justice for local communities.
Child protection, HIV/AIDS awareness
Extensive programs in child protection, HIV/AIDS awareness, eliminating harmful traditional practices, and sustainable farming practices.
Rehabilitation services
Establishing orthopedic and physiotherapy units in fourteen hospitals across Ethiopia, supported by Handicap International France, UNHCR, and the British Embassy.
Our Organizational Structure
GPSDO is governed by a General Assembly, which is the supreme body of the organization. The Management Board is the second highest governing body, responsible for making major decisions. The Executive Director and other staff members carry out the day-to-day operations. Together, these structures ensure that GPSDO remains accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the community.
General Assembly
The highest decision-making body, comprising representatives from different sectors of society.
Management Board
Elected members who guide the organization’s strategic direction.
Executive Director and Staff
The full-time management team, supported by over 25 employees, including professionals with Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees, working at the headquarters in Addis Ababa and our branch office in Wolkite.
GPSDO
Our Approach to Development
GPSDO is committed to community-driven development. We collaborate closely with local communities, government agencies, and international donors to address the challenges that people face in rural areas. Our approach is holistic, integrating health, education, infrastructure development, and environmental protection into every project we undertake.
Local Ownership
Our projects are developed in consultation with the communities we serve, ensuring that their needs and priorities are at the forefront of all initiatives.
Partnerships
GPSDO partners with international organizations, including Save the Children, UNAIDS, Pact/USAID, and others, to enhance the effectiveness of our work.
Sustainability
We prioritize programs that have lasting benefits for communities, ensuring that our interventions are sustainable long after the completion of a project.