Priority for Human Being Organization (PHO) is local non-governmental and non-profit Organization dedicated to addressing the developmental and humanitarian needs of communities in Gambella, Ethiopia. Originally founded in 2019 as Gambella Community Development Organization, it was officially renamed and registered as Priority for Human Being Organization (PHO) on December 24, 2024. PHO is legally registered by Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Gambella People`s Regional State Finance Bureau Civil Society Organization with registration number 0235.
PHO operates in Gambella Town, the capital of Gambella Regional State, located 714 km from Addis Ababa. The region shares borders with South Sudan to the west, Oromia Region to the northeast, and Southwest Ethiopia People’s Region to the southeast. Gambella hosts over 387,000 refugees—primarily from South Sudan—across seven refugee camps.
Established in response to growing social, environmental, and economic challenges, PHO addresses issues such as conflict, displacement, poverty, climate change, and limited access to education and healthcare. The organization is committed to delivering developmental services to both host communities affected by conflict and natural disasters, as well as refugee populations. Gambella Regional State is one of Ethiopia’s twelve regional states, comprising three zones (Anywaa, Nuer, and Majang), thirteen Woreda`s, and one city administration. The region faces both natural and manmade challenges, including internal and external conflicts, flood, and environmental degradation, which further impact the vulnerable host and refugee population.
PHO focuses on seven major program areas:
1. Education
2. Health
3. Natural Resource Management (NRM)
4. Employable Skills Development
5. Gender and Life Skills Development
6. Access to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Facilities
7. Rapid response Mechanism (RRM)
PHO is led by a board and staffed by highly qualified professionals with both national and international experience. The organization operates from its own compound in Gambella Town and actively collaborates with NGOs, foundations, partners, higher institutions (Florida University South East (FUSE) and FUSE Sister company and other stakeholders to enhance its impact.
Vision
A resilient and just society where every human being lives in dignity and realizes their full potential.
Mission
To improve the lives of vulnerable and marginalized communities through inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable development and humanitarian interventions.
Strategic objectives
✓ Enhance equitable access to quality education and child protection services.
✓ Promote sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment.
✓ Improve access to basic health, nutrition, and WASH services.
✓ Strengthen community-based disaster preparedness and resilience.
✓ Advocate for the rights and wellbeing of refugees, IDPs, women, and children.
Scope of PHO
Priority Human Being Organization (PHO) is committed to improving the wellbeing of the target communities. Its scope includes Gog Woreda, Lare Woreda, Godere Woreda, Gambella City Administration and refugee`s camp communities.
PHO focuses on seven major program areas:
- Education
- Health
- Natural Resource Management (NRM)
- Employable Skills Development Program
- Gender and Life Skill Development and
- WaSH both in the host and refugees communities
4. Target Group
- Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
- Children and youth
- Women and girls
- Persons with disabilities
- Marginalized and conflict-affected population
Best Regards
Leyekun Getaneh
Priority for Human Being Organization (PHO)
Executive Director
Email. Leyekunpho@gmail.com
Mobile- +251-911311247/+251-903619745
Gambella Town- Gambella/Ethiopia.