Awassa is a large town on the shores of Lake Awassa situated in the Great Rift Valley. It is the capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples region. The town is connected by an excellent road to Addis Ababa, 275 kms distant. Awassa is situated in the Sidamo region, famous for its coffee growing and fertile land. The town is famous for its beautiful lake and for the best birdlife in Ethiopia.

The population of Awassa is growing fast. In 2004 the population was estimated to be 118,000, and in 2006 it was estimated to be 250,000. This increase has put considerable pressure on the town. The number of street children is estimated to be in excess of 5,000. Because of the high incidence of HIV and Aids in the town the number of orphan and vulnerable children is increasing at an alarming rate.

JeCCDO's projects in Awassa are designed to enable local communities to take control of their lives so that they can climb out of poverty and respond to the needs of disadvantaged children.