About Social & Development Ministry

The Social and Development Ministry of the Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo

The Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo is a canonical jurisdiction under the Ethiopian Catholic Church, part of the global Roman Catholic Church. It operates in the southern region of Ethiopia, with its ecclesiastical territory extending across the South Ethiopia Region (SER) and the South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region (SWEP). Covering an expansive geographical area of approximately 53,010 square kilometers, the Vicariate serves a population of more than 5.93 million people, based on the 2014 population census.

Historical Background

The origins of the Vicariate date back to 1940, when Pope Pius XII established the Apostolic Prefecture of Hosanna to support Catholic missionary and pastoral activities in southern Ethiopia. In 1982, the Prefecture was elevated to the status of an Apostolic Vicariate by Pope St. John Paul II, under the name Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo-Hosanna, in recognition of the growing Catholic community and increasing pastoral needs.

As the Catholic presence and responsibilities in the area continued to expand, the Vicariate underwent an administrative reorganization. In 2010, it was officially divided into two separate ecclesiastical jurisdictions: the Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo and the Apostolic Vicariate of Hosanna. This restructuring allowed for more focused and efficient pastoral care, social outreach, and development efforts within the distinct regions.

The Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo comprises 12 administrative zones, drawn from two federal regions:

  • From the South Ethiopia Region (9 zones):
    • Wolaita
    • Gamo
    • Gofa
    • South Omo
    • Konso
    • Basket
    • Gradual

Geographic and Administrative Structure

  • Basketo
  • Ale
  • Aari

From the South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region (2 zones):

  • Dawro
  • Konta

This vast territorial jurisdiction allows the Vicariate to serve a highly diverse population, encompassing a rich mosaic of ethnic communities, cultures, and languages. Through its Social and Development Ministry, the Vicariate plays a pivotal role in promoting social justice, education, healthcare, sustainable development, and humanitarian outreach, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities.

The Ministry aligns its efforts with both the spiritual mission of the Church and the broader goals of human dignity and holistic development. By leveraging its extensive network of parishes, missions, schools, health centers, and development programs, the Vicariate of Soddo continues to be a key actor in addressing the socio-economic needs of the region, fostering peace, solidarity, and hope among the people it serves.

Healthcare Activities of the Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo

The Ethiopian Catholic Church – Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo, through its Social and Development Ministry, operates a network of licensed healthcare facilities across Wolaitta and Dawuro zones. These range from primary hospitals to clinics, offering essential services to over 380,000 people, especially in underserved areas.

The flagship Dubbo St. Mary Primary Hospital in Bolosso Sore serves over 324,000 people with 174 staff and comprehensive services including outpatient, inpatient, emergency obstetric care, and health education. Other key facilities include Mokonissa St. Anna Health Center, Buccama St. Francisco Health Center, and Humbo Clinic, all based in Wolaitta Zone and run by different Catholic congregations.

In Dawuro Zone, remote clinics such as Dugha, St. Joseph, and Bacho serve smaller populations with primary care and community health outreach. These facilities, though modest, remain lifelines for their communities.

In total, 280 staff members (168 professionals) deliver compassionate care grounded in the Church’s mission of healing, service, and dignity for all.

Educational Activities of the Ethiopian Catholic Church – Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo (2017 EC)

In 2017 EC, the Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo managed 39 educational institutions across Southern and South West Ethiopia, including kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and technical training centers. These institutions served thousands of students with a focus on academic excellence, moral guidance, and spiritual formation.

The kindergarten program enrolled over 3,000 children, laying a strong foundation for early learning through schools like Sawla Tsion Mariam KG and Hambecho St. Michael KG.

Primary and secondary schools such as Bukama Catholic Primary, Boditti St. Anna (Grades 1–8), and Dubbo Our Lady (Grades 1–12) provided education to large numbers of students, while Konto Abba Pascal Girls’ School focused on empowering young women.

In the area of skills training, TVET centers like Konto Abba Pascal TVET and Bruh Tesfa Catholic TTI equipped youth with vocational and teaching skills, enhancing their employability.

These efforts are supported by religious congregations (Capuchins, Divine Providence Sisters, Don Bosco, etc.), who contribute to both the academic and spiritual formation of students. Some schools, such as Bele Filseta Mariam KG, have been transferred to government management to ensure sustainability.

Overall, the Vicariate remains a major force in nurturing ethical, skilled, and compassionate future leaders through holistic education.

Comprehensive Humanitarian and Emergency Response

Southern Ethiopia continues to face overlapping humanitarian crises including drought, floods, landslides, cholera outbreaks, and food insecurity—especially in South Omo, Konso, Derashe, Gofa, and Wolaita zones.

In South Omo, Konso, and Derashe, persistent drought has devastated crops, killed livestock, and triggered cholera outbreaks, affecting hundreds of households. Over 600 cholera cases and 8 deaths were reported in mid-2023, straining fragile health systems. Livestock loss further worsened food insecurity and economic instability.

In Gofa and Wolaita, landslides displaced communities into IDP camps. Emergency projects provided clean water, sanitation, and psychosocial support to over 1,700 households. More than 500 people received trauma counseling, while local health and disaster response teams were trained for long-term resilience.

In Abaya Chawukare and Gurocho kebeles, efforts focused on clean water access, sanitation, and women’s livelihoods. Boreholes, pipelines, and storage tanks were rehabilitated, benefiting over 6,000 people. Ten women-led Self-Help Groups were trained in financial literacy and small business, while poultry farming and climate-smart agriculture were promoted.

Despite infrastructure and behavioral challenges, the projects made lasting impacts on health, water access, and economic empowerment. Continued collaboration and investment are key to helping these vulnerable communities recover and build resilience against future shocks.