Deborah Foundation

Empowering Children With Intellectual Disabilities.

Our Partners

cropped-Telebirr_Logo-removebg-preview-150x150

cropped-UNICEF_-_Logo__2_-removebg-preview-150x150

Who We Are

OUR STORY

Deborah Foundation is a non-profit organization established on June 24, 2019, by His Excellency Ato Abadulla Gemeda and his family. Deborah is the fourth child of His Excellency and was born with Down syndrome.

She like many others born with the syndrome in Ethiopia, faced many challenges during her early years. Following this, the foundation was established with the vision of creating a more inclusive and kinder world for children born with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities…

Deborah and H.E. Ato Abadulla Gemeda

Who We Are

OUR STORY

Deborah Foundation is a non-profit organization established on June 24, 2019, by his Excellency Ato Abadulla Gemeda and his family. Deborah is the fourth child of His Excellency and was born with Down syndrome.

She like many others born with the syndrome in Ethiopia, faced many challenges during her early years. Following this, the foundation was established with the vision of creating a more inclusive and kinder world for children born with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities…

Deborah and H.E. Ato Abadulla Gemeda

What We Do

OUR PROGRAMS

Deliver individualized, accessible learning through trained teachers and supportive classrooms that build skills, confidence, and academic participation for each child.

Inclusive Education

Deliver individualized, accessible learning through trained teachers and supportive classrooms that build skills, confidence, and academic participation for each child.

Strengthen institutions and professionals through training, mentorship, and resource development to expand inclusive services, improve quality, and sustain lasting impact.

Capacity Building

Strengthen institutions and professionals through training, mentorship, and resource development to expand inclusive services, improve quality, and sustain lasting impact.

Provide specialized, compassionate medical care, diagnostics, and rehabilitation to improve health outcomes and long-term well-being for our children.

Quality Healthcare

Provide specialized, compassionate medical care, diagnostics, and rehabilitation to improve health outcomes and long-term well-being for our children.

Empower families with information, counseling, and training to support early intervention, caregiving, advocacy, and create a better future for their children.

Family Engagement

Empower families with information, counseling, and training to support early intervention, caregiving, advocacy, and create a better future for their children.

Advocate for inclusive policies and public awareness by engaging government, stakeholders, and communities to secure rights, services, and equal opportunities.

Policy Advocacy

Advocate for inclusive policies and public awareness by engaging government, stakeholders, and communities to secure rights, services, and equal opportunities.

Mobilize communities with outreach, events, and volunteer programs that raise awareness, foster inclusion, and build local support networks for families.

Community Involvement

Mobilize communities with outreach, events, and volunteer programs that raise awareness, foster inclusion, and build local support networks for families.

What We Do

OUR PROGRAMS

Deliver individualized, accessible learning through trained teachers and supportive classrooms that build skills, confidence, and academic participation for each child.

Inclusive Education

Deliver individualized, accessible learning through trained teachers and supportive classrooms that build skills, confidence, and academic participation for each child.

Advocate for inclusive policies and public awareness by engaging government, stakeholders, and communities to secure rights, services, and equal opportunities.

Policy Advocacy

Advocate for inclusive policies and public awareness by engaging government, stakeholders, and communities to secure rights, services, and equal opportunities.

Empower families with information, counseling, and training to support early intervention, caregiving, advocacy, and create a better future for their children.

Family Engagement

Empower families with information, counseling, and training to support early intervention, caregiving, advocacy, and create a better future for their children.

Provide specialized, compassionate medical care, diagnostics, and rehabilitation to improve health outcomes and long-term well-being for our children.

Quality Healthcare

Provide specialized, compassionate medical care, diagnostics, and rehabilitation to improve health outcomes and long-term well-being for our children.

Strengthen institutions and professionals through training, mentorship, and resource development to expand inclusive services, improve quality, and sustain lasting impact.

Capacity Building

Strengthen institutions and professionals through training, mentorship, and resource development to expand inclusive services, improve quality, and sustain lasting impact.

Mobilize communities with outreach, events, and volunteer programs that raise awareness, foster inclusion, and build local support networks for families.

Community Involvement

Mobilize communities with outreach, events, and volunteer programs that raise awareness, foster inclusion, and build local support networks for families.

What We Do

OUR PROGRAMS

Deliver individualized, accessible learning through trained teachers and supportive classrooms that build skills, confidence, and academic participation for each child.

Inclusive Education

Deliver individualized, accessible learning through trained teachers and supportive classrooms that build skills, confidence, and academic participation for each child.

Provide specialized, compassionate medical care, diagnostics, and rehabilitation to improve health outcomes and long-term well-being for our children.

Quality Healthcare

Provide specialized, compassionate medical care, diagnostics, and rehabilitation to improve health outcomes and long-term well-being for our children.

Advocate for inclusive policies and public awareness by engaging government, stakeholders, and communities to secure rights, services, and equal opportunities.

Policy Advocacy

Advocate for inclusive policies and public awareness by engaging government, stakeholders, and communities to secure rights, services, and equal opportunities.

Strengthen institutions and professionals through training, mentorship, and resource development to expand inclusive services, improve quality, and sustain lasting impact.

Capacity Building

Strengthen institutions and professionals through training, mentorship, and resource development to expand inclusive services, improve quality, and sustain lasting impact.

Empower families with information, counseling, and training to support early intervention, caregiving, advocacy, and create a better future for their children.

Family Engagement

Empower families with information, counseling, and training to support early intervention, caregiving, advocacy, and create a better future for their children.

Mobilize communities with outreach, events, and volunteer programs that raise awareness, foster inclusion, and build local support networks for families.

Community Involvement

Mobilize communities with outreach, events, and volunteer programs that raise awareness, foster inclusion, and build local support networks for families.

Our Impact

300+

Active

Students

1140+

Medical

Screenings

40+

Surgeries

Facilitated

6500+

Families

Supported

300+

Active

Students

1140+

Medical

Screenings

40+

Surgeries

Facilitated

6500+

Families

Supported

Our Latest Updates

What Is Trending

Community Stories

Asegedech and Beminet

A Mother’s Love

Asegedech and Beminet’s Story of Hope and Inclusion

Bethelhem and Eldana

An Unexpected Journey

A Mother’s Unwavering Love: Eldana’s Story

Follow on Instagram

Get Involved

What You Can Do

VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTEER

Starting From 1 Birr or USD 10

Starting From 1 Birr or USD 10

Starting From 1 Birr or USD 10

GIVE TODAY

GIVE TODAY

Starting From 1 Birr | USD 10

Using Tele Birr or 8767, OK Short Code From Ethiopia

Most Major Payment Methods Supported Including Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, PayPal, And More

SUPPORT OUR WORK

SUPPORT OUR WORK

Starting From 1 Birr or USD 10

Starting From 1 Birr or USD 10

Starting From 1 Birr or USD 10

BECOME A MEMBER

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome (also called trisomy 21) is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It commonly affects intellectual development, speech and motor skills, and can be associated with certain health issues such as congenital heart conditions and thyroid differences. The presentation and abilities of each person with Down syndrome vary widely; with early intervention, education, and medical care many children make meaningful developmental gains and lead fulfilling lives.
Who does Deborah Foundation serve?

Deborah Foundation serves children and young adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, together with their families and caregivers. We provide inclusive education, specialized medical and rehabilitation services, family training, community outreach, capacity-building for professionals, and policy advocacy to ensure dignity, access to services, and opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities across Ethiopia.
How do I get my child enrolled?

To begin the enrollment process you will need an official medical diagnosis from a licensed doctor confirming Down syndrome or another intellectual disability. Bring the diagnosis and any relevant medical or assessment records to our office; our Monitoring & Evaluation team will take intake information, conduct or schedule an assessment, and then contact you with a recommended, customized education or therapy plan and next steps for placement.
What is Deborah Village?

Deborah Village is our multi-purpose campus located in front of CCD at Lege Tafo. The compound brings together Deborah Academy (inclusive schooling), the Deborah Specialized Pediatric Center (clinical and rehabilitative care), and supporting facilities—green spaces, sport courts, therapy rooms, and community gathering areas—so children and families can access education, healthcare, and support in one integrated location.
How can I contribute?

You can support Deborah Foundation by making a financial donation (one-time or recurring), donating in-kind items or equipment (therapy materials, classroom supplies), volunteering your time and skills (teaching, event support, professional services), or partnering with us as an organization or sponsor. Visit our Get Involved / Donate page to see current needs, volunteer roles, and sponsorship opportunities, or contact our Partnerships team to discuss corporate giving, in-kind donations, or fundraising collaborations.

Get in Touch

Contact Us

Your opinions are important to us. Whether it is a simple question or a valuable suggestion, we appreciate it. You can call us by phone or email us directly.

Visit Us

ACADEMY

VILLAGE

ABOUT US

OUR WORKS

BLOG & NEWS

CONTACT US

GET INVOLVED

MERCH STORE

PRESS KIT

OUR GUIDELINES

TERMS OF USE

PRIVACY POLICY

+251-94-222-5838

contact@deborafoundation.org

Airport Road, 100m behind Sur Construction, Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA

ACADEMY

VILLAGE

ABOUT US

OUR WORKS

BLOG & NEWS

CONTACT US

GET INVOLVED

MERCH STORE

PRESS KIT

OUR GUIDELINES

TERMS OF USE

PRIVACY POLICY

+251-94-222-5838

contact@deborafoundation.org

Airport Road, 100m behind Sur Construction, Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA

Copyright © Deborah Foundarion 2026 All right reserved.

Deborah Foundation is a non-profit organization.

► Necessary Cookies Always Active

Necessary cookies enable essential site features like secure log-ins and consent preference adjustments. They do not store personal data.

► Functional Cookies Remark

Functional cookies support features like content sharing on social media, collecting feedback, and enabling third-party tools.

► Analytical Cookies Remark

Analytical cookies track visitor interactions, providing insights on metrics like visitor count, bounce rate, and traffic sources.

► Advertisement Cookies Remark

Advertisement cookies deliver personalized ads based on your previous visits and analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns.