1. History

1.1. Pre ChSA Proclamation 621/2009
ESSSWA was founded with 93 founding members in June 1996 and recived its legal registration by MoJ in 1997. The rational of its establishment was: “Despite considerable number of graduates in those fields, they have remained virtually unrecognized” – is still valid.

1.2. Re-registration after 2009.
With the advent of ChSA proclamatin 621/2009, ESSSWA was re-registered as an Ethiopian Residents Charity.

Founding Principles

2. Founding Principle
2.1. The Foundation of ESSSWA
Founding members of ESSSWA saw the importance of forming a unified and stronger professional society than creating three weak separate associations within the same professional family.
2.2. Statements of Vision and Mission
Vision: ESSSWA aspires to see sustainable and positive social change in Ethiopia and to be an active participant in the transformation process.
Mission: It represents the interest of professionals of Sociology, Social work and Anthropology and advance the application of these disciplines for the well being of the Ethiopian Society.

2.3. Constitutional Objectives

• to enhance the contribution of sociology, social work and anthropology disciplines to the country’s development using applied research,

• committed to improve the social well being of the Ethiopian people through using knowledge and skills in sociology, social work and anthropology,

• support training and education activities of the three interlinked disciplines,

• organize and facilitate workshops, seminars and exchange visits with sister associations locally, and

•  establish networks with international and regional professional associations having similar objectives.

3. Organizational Development

3.1. The first SP (2006 – 2008)
The first SP had contributed a lot in re-orienting the organization for a significant leap further transforming it into a national professional society of sociologists, social workers and anthropologists in Ethiopia and guided the operation of the Association for seven years.
3.2. The Second SP (2012 – 2016)
The second SP was geared twards organizational strengthening of the Society in a manner that improves its functioning to be compatible with the current demanding situation and enhance members’ contribution to the social development endeavors of the country.
ESSSWA has already secured funding from Oak Foundation so that SP3 will take place after its renwal of its registration in 2016

3.3. Regional Chapters
Currntly ESSSWA has Four Regional Chapters:
North, Tigray
North West, Bahir Dar
South, Hawassa
S/West, Arbaminch & the fifth one is planned for East, to be in Jigjiga.
All chapters are attached with universities having departments in either Sociology, Social Work or Anthropolgy.
ESSSWA is also working with 12 public and 3 private universities
ESSSWA’s membership has also exceeded 900.

4. Current Situation
4..1. Projects:
ESSSWA – is currently engaged in implementing two projects financed by OAK Foundation and USAID.
i) Enhancing Institutional and Research Capacities to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Project is financed by OAK Foundation and focuses on action-research and for the prevention of vulnerable children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
ii) The SPSSSSE project is funded by USAID and focuses on improving the social service system in Ethiopia and also focuses at social workforce development.