The RMTM brought together senior management staff from the LWF country programs in Kenya-Somalia , South Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia, members of the Geneva management team and representatives of LWF Related Agencies to strategize how to collaborate on regional initiatives. Photo: LWF Ethiopia
Regional Management Team Meeting focuses on cross-border collaboration and strategies to counter the funding crisis
(LWI) - Country programs of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) humanitarian and development arm World Service gathered in Addis Ababa for a Regional Management Team Meeting (RMTM) from 16-21 June 2025. With participation from the LWF World Service management team in Geneva and senior management of country programs in Kenya-Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia as well as representatives of LWF Related Agencies, the meeting served as a space for reflection, shared learning, and strategic planning in response to growing humanitarian needs and shrinking resources.
Discussions centered on pressing challenges facing the region, particularly persistent funding shortfalls that impact services for refugees and vulnerable communities. through its humanitarian and development arm World Service, the LWF plays a leading role in East Africa. It is the main implementing partner for education in Kenya’s Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps and provides integrated protection, education, livelihoods, and water and sanitation services across the Horn of Africa.
I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from colleagues, share insights, and align on priorities that will drive us forward together.
Andrew Masaba, LWF South Sudan
While the LWF has served as a lifeline for hundreds of thousands for decades, recent funding reductions—especially from the United States—have led to cuts to essential services. In South Sudan, funding cuts have forced the LWF country program to halt Early Childhood Development services for children under six in 60 centers.
This disruption has affected both Sudanese refugees and local communities. The closure of these centers has interrupted children's early learning, compromised their basic education, and removed vital safe spaces that offered protection and support. “These closures have left children more vulnerable,” explains Jacques Sagna, LWF Regional Program Coordinator.
Long-time partners, new collaborations
Despite diminishing support, the region continues to face overlapping crises on a disproportionate scale. In addition to large refugee movements and internal displacement caused by a rising number of conflicts, the Horn of Africa is strongly affected by extreme weather and climate change. Failed seasonal rains have left many subsistence farmers without livelihoods, triggering displacement to camps or urban centers.
Participants reflected on lessons learned from education and livelihoods programs and discussed how climate research can enhance regional responses. Emphasis was placed on regional advocacy, cross-border and multi-country programming, and joint learning.
“The meeting was packed with honest conversations, fresh ideas and valuable sharing from across the region”, Sophie Gebreyes. LWF Ethiopia Country Representative, noted.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from colleagues, share insights and align on priorities that will drive us forward together” said Andrew Masaba, Program Development and Quality Coordinator and Acting Program Coordinator of the LWF South Sudan Team.
Related agencies and partners joined on the first day to discuss the way forward. Photo: LWF Ethiopia
The meeting was also marked by strong ecumenical and agency collaboration. Representatives from Bread for the World, FELM, ACT Church of Sweden, Australian Lutheran World Service, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America joined the first day’s sessions, along with colleagues from Tanganyika Christian Refugee Service in Tanzania, and the LWF member church in Ethiopia. Representatives from ECHO and USAID in Ethiopia joined at the end of the first day.
“As we are living through some of the most challenging times for the world and for our sector in particular, coming together for this meeting has felt more relevant than ever,” concluded Caroline Tveoy, LWF Head of International Programs. “In a context where the LWF East and Horn of Africa country programs have been hard hit by the US funding cuts, it’s important to take the time to experience fellowship and solidarity and understand more about how the teams are coping to make the necessary adjustments to their programming and staffing - all while upholding the vision and mission of World Service”.
“The meeting affirmed that despite the challenges we encounter, we continue to put people at the center,” she added, “and we affirm our strategic commitment to advancing human rights in the East and Horn Africa region and worldwide - for Hope and a Future for the people we serve."
