Department Overview
The Education, Research & Advocacy Department promotes inclusive education, generates evidence and knowledge, documents experiences, and advocates for the rights, dignity, accessibility, equality, and meaningful participation of refugees with disabilities.
Department Lead: Head of Education, Research & Advocacy
Lead Programme: Education, Research & Advocacy
Sub-Programmes: Education & Scholarships, Research & Documentation, Advocacy & Rights Protection
Supporting Departments
Main Responsibilities
- Developing and implementing TESFA’s education and advocacy strategies in line with its mission and strategic plan.
- Designing and coordinating inclusive education programmes that promote equal access to quality education for refugees with disabilities.
- Conducting and coordinating research, assessments, and studies on education, disability inclusion, refugee rights, and related issues.
- Generating evidence and documentation to inform TESFA programmes, policies, advocacy, and decision-making.
- Leading advocacy and awareness initiatives promoting the rights, dignity, inclusion, and empowerment of refugees with disabilities.
- Building partnerships with schools, universities, government institutions, NGOs, UN agencies, researchers, and other stakeholders.
- Developing training and capacity-building activities for teachers, staff, partners, and community members.
- Representing TESFA in relevant education, research, disability, refugee, and advocacy forums.
- Monitoring and reporting on departmental activities, outcomes, and impact and providing recommendations for improvement.
- Supporting resource mobilization through concept notes, proposals, research partnerships, and education-related funding opportunities.
Professional Profile
Ms. Saron G/Maryam Debisa serves as the Head of Education, Research & Advocacy Department of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Wollo University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching English from Addis Ababa University. With 20 years of professional teaching experience in both government and private elementary and secondary schools, she brings extensive expertise in education, communication, student development, curriculum planning, and classroom management.
Throughout her career, Ms. Saron has demonstrated a strong commitment to quality, inclusive, and learner-centered education. Her experience in teaching English language and literature, combined with her skills in communication, leadership, mentoring, and educational planning, provides a strong foundation for her role at TESFA.
As Head of the Education, Research & Advocacy Department, she leads initiatives that promote inclusive education, disability rights, awareness, research, evidence-based advocacy, and meaningful participation of refugees with disabilities. She works to strengthen collaboration with educational institutions, government bodies, humanitarian and development organizations, and other stakeholders to improve educational opportunities and advance the rights and inclusion of refugees with disabilities.
Ms. Saron is committed to using her extensive educational experience and communication skills to support TESFA’s mission, institutional development, advocacy efforts, and sustainable impact for refugees with disabilities.
Email: education@tesfa.com.et
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