World Vision Ethiopia has pledged 1.2 billion Br in support to Sidama and the Southern Nations, Nationalities & Peoples' regional states for clean water supply, education, environmental protection, food security, sanitation, child security and community development projects. Nearly two million people from six zones and 12 weredas in the Southern region and 66,000 people from Hula Woreda in Sidama are expected to benefit from the implementation. Over one billion Birr will go toward the former, while Sidama will receive 69.3 million Birr from the grant. Signed in Hawassa last week in the presence of the organisation's field and sponsorship manager, Elenie Mergia, the development programme will span a period of five years. World Vision International is an Evangelical Christian humanitarian aid, development and advocacy organisation active in more than 90 countries across the globe.