Ethiopia is the country where multi-ethnic co-exist for centuries. Among the diverse Ethiopian population, some community  groups that have not gained  a friendly status in the overall social structure of the nation. Among these community groups, the Manjos is one of them, living in the Sheka, Kaffa, and Dawaro Zones of Southwestern Ethiopia.Historically, they were subjected to low status and excluded from mainstream culture and social activities. The Manjos are also alienated from all aspects of social engagement, participating in the ordinary public festival, and family formation outside their ethnic group. The Manjo as  community have been denied their basic human rights ,sharing public spaces and services, mixing and socializing with the wide population leaving them marginalized and discriminated.  Today, the socio-economic status of the Manjo community has not changed.

Because of the magnitude of segregation and discrimination, the Manjo face, the opportunity to advance economically much limited. The options available for survival is by doing the most menial and laborious tasks that other groups despise.

Some of us who have lived with them and witnessed the suffering and the effect of dehumanization on Manjos community, have established an organization Manjo People Empowerment Organization (MPEO).MPEO to explore ways how we can help this Community.MPEO is dedicated to empowering the culturally marginalized Manjo people, bridging the gap between Manjo community and broader society through education, collaboration and  advocacy.