Planning Today for a Better Tomorrow
TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association is committed to building a future where refugees with disabilities enjoy equal rights, dignity, opportunities, and full participation in society. Our Strategy & Plans provide a clear roadmap that guides our governance, programmes, operations, partnerships, and sustainable growth.
TESFA’s planning framework ensures that every activity contributes to our vision of becoming a leading organization serving refugees with disabilities at national, regional, and global levels. It aligns our resources, people, and partnerships to create lasting impact.
Our planning system consists of four complementary levels:
- Strategic Plan – Our long-term direction and vision.
- Tactical Plan – Departmental strategies that translate the vision into measurable objectives.
- Operational Plan – Day-to-day implementation of programmes and services.
- Contingency Plan – Preparedness and continuity during emergencies and unexpected situations.
Through these plans, TESFA aims to grow from a community-based association into a strong, sustainable, and internationally recognized organization.
Strategic Plan
Building a Sustainable Future for Refugees with Disabilities
The Strategic Plan defines TESFA’s long-term direction and organizational priorities. It serves as the foundation for all programmes, projects, partnerships, and institutional development. Our strategy is implemented in four progressive phases.
Phase I – Institutional Foundation (Short-Term: 1–3 Years)
Theme: Building a Strong Foundation
TESFA will focus on establishing a professional, accessible, and accountable organization.
Key Priorities
- Serve refugees with disabilities living in Addis Ababa.
- Work closely with UN agencies, NGOs, government institutions, faith-based organizations, and community partners.
- Establish a fully accessible headquarters.
- Recruit qualified professionals for all approved departments.
- Equip every department with the necessary furniture, computers, internet, assistive technologies, and office equipment.
- Develop strong governance and management systems.
- Strengthen membership and volunteer engagement.
- Launch priority programmes.
Increase organizational visibility. - Build strategic partnerships.
Phase II – National Expansion (Medium-Term: 4–7 Years)
Theme: Expanding Across Ethiopia
TESFA aims to extend its services to refugees with disabilities throughout Ethiopia.
Key Priorities
- Establish regional and branch offices.
Strengthen internal institutional capacity. - Expand education, health, livelihood, and advocacy programmes.
- Improve monitoring, evaluation, and digital systems.
- Increase partnerships with national institutions.
- Recruit additional professional staff.
- Diversify funding sources.
- Promote organizational sustainability.
Phase III – Financial Sustainability (Long-Term: 8–15 Years)
Theme: Building Sustainable Social Enterprises
TESFA seeks to reduce dependence on donor funding by establishing businesses whose profits support the Association’s mission while benefiting members.
Planned Social Enterprises
- Accessible Clinics
- Pharmacies
- Rehabilitation Centres
- Assistive Device Centres
- Vocational Training Institutes
- Inclusive Schools
- Agricultural Projects
- Manufacturing and Production Enterprises
- ICT and Innovation Centres
- Cooperative Businesses
- Transport Services
- Guest Houses or Conference Facilities
These enterprises will:
- Create employment opportunities.
- Provide affordable services and products to members.
- Generate sustainable income.
- Strengthen TESFA’s financial independence.
Phase IV – International Expansion (Vision Beyond 15 Years)
Theme: A Global Voice for Refugees with Disabilities
TESFA envisions becoming an internationally recognized humanitarian and development organization dedicated to supporting refugees with disabilities worldwide.
Long-Term Global Goals
- Expand programmes beyond Ethiopia to other refugee-hosting countries.
- Establish partnerships with international NGOs, UN agencies, governments, universities, and disability organizations.
- Open regional offices in Africa and, eventually, other continents.
- Advocate for the rights of refugees with disabilities at regional and global forums.
- Share best practices and conduct international research on disability and forced displacement.
- Coordinate international humanitarian responses during refugee crises.
- Promote inclusive education, healthcare, livelihoods, and digital inclusion globally.
- Build an international network of professionals, volunteers, researchers, and donors.
- Become a trusted global centre of excellence for disability-inclusive refugee services.
Our Long-Term Vision
To see every refugee with a disability, regardless of where they live, able to access protection, education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and the support needed to live with dignity and hope.
Tactical Plan
Turning Strategy into Action
The Tactical Plan translates TESFA’s Strategic Plan into practical departmental objectives. It ensures that every department contributes to achieving the Association’s vision through annual plans, measurable targets, and coordinated implementation.
Each department prepares yearly work plans, budgets, performance indicators, and activity schedules aligned with TESFA’s strategic priorities. Department heads monitor progress, coordinate staff, manage resources, and report achievements to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Key Objectives
- Implement the Strategic Plan through departmental activities.
- Develop annual work plans and budgets.
- Strengthen coordination among departments.
- Improve staff performance and accountability.
- Mobilize resources for programme implementation.
- Monitor progress and evaluate results.
- Promote innovation, learning, and continuous improvement.
Responsible Units
All Programme Departments and Support Departments under the supervision of the CEO.
Operational Plan
Delivering Services Efficiently Every Day
The Operational Plan outlines the day-to-day activities required to implement TESFA’s programmes and manage its operations. It ensures that all services are delivered effectively, efficiently, transparently, and professionally.
The Operational Plan guides staff in carrying out daily responsibilities, coordinating programmes, managing finances, supporting beneficiaries, maintaining organizational assets, and ensuring quality service delivery.
Key Activities
- Deliver programmes and services.
- Register and support beneficiaries.
- Manage finances and administration.
- Conduct meetings and staff coordination.
- Manage procurement and logistics.
- Maintain information systems and records.
- Implement monitoring and reporting.
- Coordinate volunteers and partners.
- Maintain communication with stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies.
Expected Outcomes
- Efficient programme implementation.
- High-quality services.
- Accountable financial management.
- Effective Teamwork
- Timely reporting.
- Improved beneficiary satisfaction.
Contingency Plan
Prepared for Emergencies and Unforeseen Events
TESFA recognizes that emergencies can affect both the Association and the communities it serves. The Contingency Plan prepares TESFA to respond quickly and effectively while ensuring that essential services continue during crises.
This plan establishes emergency procedures, defines staff responsibilities, protects organizational resources, and promotes business continuity.
Possible Emergencies
- Refugee emergencies and mass displacement.
- Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, fires).
- Disease outbreaks and pandemics.
- Armed conflict and insecurity.
- Financial crises or funding shortages.
- Cybersecurity incidents and data loss.
- Power or internet interruptions.
- Damage to offices or equipment.
Response Measures
- Activate the emergency response team.
- Protect staff and beneficiaries.
- Maintain essential programme operations.
- Coordinate with government and humanitarian partners.
- Secure organizational information and assets.
- Mobilize emergency resources.
- Communicate timely information to stakeholders.
- Review and improve emergency preparedness regularly.
Goal
To ensure that TESFA remains resilient, protects its members and beneficiaries, and continues delivering essential services during emergencies while recovering quickly from unexpected events.
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