From March 10th to 12th, the #defyhatenow Ethiopia team, alongside global colleagues and implementing partners, engaged in a three-day intensive collaboration and planning retreat in Bishoftu. This retreat served as a crucial opportunity to align strategic goals, foster stronger partnerships, and enhance team cohesion. Through focused workshops and collaborative sessions, participants worked to refine project strategies and build a foundation for increased impact. The retreat emphasized teamwork, strategic planning, and knowledge sharing, ensuring the team is well-equipped to address the challenges of building resilient and peaceful communities. This dedicated time allowed for in-depth discussions, strengthening the team’s ability to work together effectively and achieve shared objectives.