Building a Strong, Inclusive, and Empowered Community of Refugees with Disabilities
Introduction
TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association believes that its greatest strength lies in its members. A strong and active membership forms the foundation of a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable organization capable of advocating for the rights and well-being of refugees with disabilities.
The Membership & Community Engagement Program aims to unite refugees with disabilities under one platform where they can support one another, share experiences, participate in decision-making, access services, and contribute to the development of their communities. Through active membership and meaningful community engagement, TESFA promotes inclusion, participation, leadership, volunteerism, and social cohesion.
The programme also encourages collaboration with families, caregivers, host communities, government institutions, humanitarian organizations, and development partners to create an environment where refugees with disabilities are respected, represented, and empowered.
Background
Many refugees with disabilities experience isolation, discrimination, exclusion from community activities, and limited opportunities to participate in social and civic life. They often lack access to reliable information, support networks, and platforms to voice their concerns.
TESFA was established to create a united community where refugees with disabilities can connect, support each other, advocate for their rights, and participate actively in shaping their future. By strengthening membership and community engagement, TESFA ensures that every member has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to the organization’s mission.
Why This Program Matters
Strong membership and community participation:
- Strengthen unity among refugees with disabilities.
- Promote inclusion and equal participation.
- Build trust and solidarity.
- Improve access to information and services.
- Increase community resilience.
- Develop future leaders.
- Encourage volunteerism and social responsibility.
- Promote accountability and transparency.
- Strengthen advocacy efforts.
- Foster peace and social cohesion.
A united membership creates a stronger voice for promoting the rights and dignity of refugees with disabilities.
Vision
A united and inclusive community where every refugee with a disability is valued, actively engaged, and empowered to contribute to the development of society.
Mission
To strengthen membership, promote community participation, build leadership, and create opportunities for refugees with disabilities to actively engage in social, cultural, economic, and organizational development.
Goal
To build a strong, active, and inclusive membership that promotes unity, participation, leadership, volunteerism, and sustainable community development.
Objectives
The Membership & Community Engagement Program aims to:
- Increase membership registration and participation.
- Strengthen communication among members.
- Promote inclusive community engagement.
- Develop leadership among members.
- Encourage volunteerism and civic responsibility.
- Strengthen relationships with host communities.
- Improve member services.
- Promote gender equality and youth participation.
- Build partnerships with community organizations.
- Enhance organizational accountability and transparency.
Our Services
TESFA provides a wide range of membership and community engagement services.
Membership Registration and Management
TESFA maintains a transparent and inclusive membership system by:
- Registering eligible members.
- Issuing membership identification.
- Maintaining secure member databases.
- Updating member records.
- Renewing memberships.
- Providing membership certificates where applicable.
Member Orientation
New members receive orientation on:
- TESFA’s vision and mission.
- Organizational values.
- Membership rights and responsibilities.
- Available programmes and services.
- Volunteer opportunities.
- Leadership structures.
- Code of conduct.
Community Outreach
TESFA reaches communities through:
- Community awareness campaigns.
- Home visits.
Community consultations. - Public meetings.
- Information sessions.
- Disability inclusion campaigns.
- Membership recruitment drives.
Volunteer Programme
TESFA encourages members to volunteer by participating in:
- Community service.
- Awareness campaigns.
- Event organization.
- Peer support.
Mentorship. - Emergency response.
- Environmental activities.
- Fundraising initiatives.
Member Support Services
TESFA provides:
- Information and referrals.
- Counselling referrals.
- Peer support groups.
- Emergency support referrals.
- Access to training opportunities.
- Scholarship information.
- Employment information.
- Health service referrals.
Youth Engagement
TESFA empowers young members through:
- Youth leadership training.
- Sports programmes.
- Career guidance.
- Innovation competitions.
- Digital skills training.
- Entrepreneurship support.
- Volunteer opportunities.
- Youth forums.
Women’s Participation
TESFA promotes women’s empowerment through:
- Women’s leadership forums.
- Economic empowerment initiatives.
- Gender awareness programmes.
- Mentorship.
- Protection awareness.
- Networking opportunities.
- Skills development.
Community Events
TESFA organizes inclusive events including:
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
- World Refugee Day.
- International Women’s Day.
- Youth Day celebrations.
- Cultural festivals.
- Sports competitions.
- Community dialogues.
- Family gatherings.
- Awareness campaigns.
Leadership Development
Members are encouraged to become future leaders through training in:
- Leadership.
Governance. - Public speaking.
- Team building.
- Conflict resolution.
- Advocacy.
- Strategic planning.
- Project management.
Membership Categories
TESFA welcomes different categories of members:
Full Members
Registered refugees with disabilities who have voting rights and may hold leadership positions.
Associate Members
Individuals who support TESFA’s objectives but may not have voting rights.
Volunteer Members
People who contribute their time and skills to support TESFA’s activities.
Honorary Members
Individuals recognized for their outstanding contributions to refugees with disabilities.
Institutional Members
Organizations, institutions, or companies partnering with TESFA.
Rights of Members
TESFA members have the right to:
- Participate in General Assembly meetings.
- Vote and be elected (where eligible).
- Access TESFA programmes and services.
- Receive organizational information.
- Express opinions freely.
- Participate in training and events.
- Volunteer in organizational activities.
- Be treated equally without discrimination.
Responsibilities of Members
Members are expected to:
- Respect TESFA’s Constitution and policies.
- Promote the organization’s mission and values.
- Participate actively in meetings and activities.
- Respect fellow members.
- Protect organizational property.
- Pay membership fees if applicable.
- Promote inclusion and equality.
- Serve as ambassadors of TESFA.
Key Activities
The programme implements:
- Membership registration campaigns.
- Community mobilization.
- General Assembly meetings.
- Member orientation sessions.
- Leadership elections.
- Volunteer recruitment.
- Community dialogues.
- Cultural events.
- Sports activities.
- Awareness campaigns.
- Family support programmes.
- Networking events.
- Capacity-building workshops.
- Community service projects.
- Annual membership conferences.
Target Beneficiaries
The programme serves:
- Refugees with disabilities.
- Women with disabilities.
- Youth with disabilities.
- Children with disabilities.
- Older persons with disabilities.
- Caregivers and family members.
- Volunteers.
Community leaders. - Host communities.
- Partner organizations.
Expected Outcomes
TESFA expects to achieve:
- Increased membership.
- Stronger member participation.
- Improved community engagement.
- Greater social inclusion.
- Increased volunteerism.
- Stronger leadership.
- Better communication among members.
- Improved access to services.
- Stronger partnerships.
- Increased organizational sustainability.
Success Indicators
Progress will be measured through:
- Number of registered members.
- Membership growth rate.
- Number of active volunteers.
- Attendance at meetings and events.
- Number of community outreach activities.
- Member satisfaction levels.
- Number of women and youth in leadership roles.
- Number of partnerships established.
- Volunteer hours contributed.
- Community participation rates.
How We Implement This Program
TESFA implements this programme through:
- Community mobilization.
- Membership registration campaigns.
- Digital membership management systems.
- Volunteer networks.
Community outreach. - Leadership development programmes.
- Regular communication with members.
- Monitoring and evaluation.
- Continuous feedback and improvement.
Strategic Partnerships
TESFA collaborates with:
- Government institutions.
- Refugee response agencies.
- UN agencies.
Local and international NGOs. - Community-based organizations.
- Faith-based organizations.
- Educational institutions.
- Private sector partners.
- Volunteer groups.
- Media organizations.
Sustainability Strategy
To ensure long-term impact, TESFA will:
- Build a strong and active membership base.
- Develop future leaders from within the membership.
- Promote volunteerism and community ownership.
- Strengthen communication through digital platforms.
- Establish regional and local member networks.
- Encourage member contributions and resource mobilization.
- Foster partnerships that expand opportunities for members.
- Regularly review member needs and improve services accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can become a TESFA member?
Any eligible refugee with a disability who supports TESFA’s mission and meets the membership requirements may apply. Associate, volunteer, honorary, and institutional memberships are also available.
Is there a membership fee?
Membership fees, if applicable, are determined by TESFA’s policies and may vary depending on the membership category.
Can members volunteer in TESFA programmes?
Yes. Members are encouraged to volunteer in community outreach, awareness campaigns, events, training, and humanitarian activities.
How do I apply for membership?
You can complete the online membership application form on the TESFA website or visit the TESFA office for assistance.
Can members participate in decision-making?
Yes. Eligible members can attend General Assembly meetings, vote, and stand for election in accordance with TESFA’s Constitution.
Get Involved
A strong association begins with active members. You can support this programme by:
- Becoming a TESFA member.
- Volunteering your skills and time.
- Participating in community activities.
- Referring other eligible refugees with disabilities to join TESFA.
- Supporting membership drives and awareness campaigns.
- Donating to strengthen member services.
- Partnering with TESFA to promote inclusion and community development.
Together, we can build a united, inclusive, and empowered community where every refugee with a disability has a voice, opportunities to grow, and the chance to contribute to a better future.
Contact the Membership & Community Engagement Program
TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association
📧 Email: member@tesfa.com.et
🌐 Website: www.tesfa.com.et�
“Together we are stronger. By connecting, participating, and supporting one another, we build an inclusive community where every refugee with a disability belongs, contributes, and thrives.”
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