Youth-led civil society organization
Mahtot is a youth-led civil society organization creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring spaces where young people can connect, grow, and lead meaningful change across Ethiopia and beyond.
Founded
& beyond
at every level
About Us
Founded by passionate young leaders in 2023, Mahtot, meaning “light” in Ge’ez, is a youth-led CSO committed to empowering the next generation through transformative education, innovative technology, and sustainable development. The organization’s work is guided by inclusion, equity, resilience, and a strong belief in the potential of youth to shape a better future.
Mission
To empower youth in Ethiopia and beyond through transformative education, innovative technology, and sustainable development, fostering equity, inclusion, and resilience. Mahtot advances digital literacy, gender equality, and civic engagement to bring youth ideas and collective action to life.
Vision
A just and equitable world where every student and young person has access to education, opportunities, and the tools to realize their full potential—contributing to sustainable development and lasting social impact in Ethiopia and beyond.
Core Values
Strategic Focus
Our strategic priorities guide how we design programs, build partnerships, and serve communities over the coming years.
Expand access to quality education through technology-driven solutions and promote 21st-century skills for youth, women, and marginalized groups.
01Create opportunities for entrepreneurship, skill-building, leadership, and employment while increasing women’s participation in technology and development.
02Establish hubs for tech education, research, and entrepreneurial projects, and build scalable solutions for underserved communities.
03Support policy conversations around education equity, environmental conservation, and gender inclusion while encouraging systemic change.
04Implement climate-resilient initiatives and promote environmental stewardship, sustainable practices, and community awareness.
05In Action
These are current, active projects through which Mahtot puts the focus areas above into practice.
Programs & Initiatives
These initiatives reflect the roadmap in our strategic plan and show how Mahtot is bringing ideas to life.
A growing digital knowledge platform that builds on the TEMARI Magazine channel and expands access to educational content, career guidance, and youth-centered resources.
Planned progression
Foundation through online training and digital content, then growth into a larger knowledge and innovation platform with broader regional reach.
A school-based initiative designed to bridge the digital divide by equipping students with practical computer skills and foundational digital confidence.
Planned progression
Pilot in selected schools first, then scale across more regions as partnerships and infrastructure grow.
Campaigns, dialogue spaces, and collaborative activities that strengthen youth voice, awareness, and participation in civic life and peacebuilding.
Planned progression
Start with campaigns, service partnerships, and needs assessments, then move toward institutionalized youth civic platforms.
A flagship initiative for networking, mentorship, skills exchange, and exposure to educational and professional opportunities for young people.
Planned progression
Build hybrid mentorship and engagement channels first, then grow the program into a larger recurring platform.
Impact & Targets
Mahtot is building toward measurable growth in training, partnerships, outreach, and long-term community infrastructure.
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Students trained
Public high school students reached through the “I For My Country” project.
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Flagship initiatives
TEMARI Hub and the “I For My Country” project, with more in development.
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People reached by 2030
A long-term impact target for youth and communities across Ethiopia.
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International climate partnerships
A partnership goal supporting resilience and sustainability work.
Mahtot's work responds to real challenges: limited access to digital tools, unequal opportunities, environmental pressures, and the need for stronger youth participation in shaping the future.
Contact
For partners, schools, volunteers, donors, and community members interested in working with Mahtot.
Location
Alem Dessu Building, 5th floor, 503, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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