Transforming Lives Through Inclusive Education
Introduction
TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association believes that education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, dependency, and social exclusion. Every refugee with a disability deserves equal access to quality education, lifelong learning, and opportunities to develop their talents and achieve their dreams.
Unfortunately, many refugees with disabilities face significant barriers to education. These include financial hardship, inaccessible learning environments, discrimination, limited educational opportunities, lack of assistive devices, language barriers, interrupted schooling due to displacement, and insufficient academic support.
TESFA’s Education & Scholarships Program is designed to address these challenges by promoting inclusive education, providing educational guidance, connecting members with scholarship opportunities, supporting school enrollment, strengthening academic achievement, and empowering refugees with disabilities to become educated, skilled, and self-reliant leaders.
We work with schools, universities, vocational training institutions, governments, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and private sector partners to ensure that education is accessible, inclusive, and affordable for refugees with disabilities.
Background
Education is recognized as a fundamental human right under international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 – Quality Education).
However, refugees with disabilities remain among the least likely to access education. Many children never enroll in school, while young people and adults often struggle to continue their education because of financial constraints, inaccessible infrastructure, limited transportation, or lack of appropriate learning support.
TESFA was established to help bridge this educational gap by creating opportunities for refugees with disabilities to pursue education from primary school through postgraduate studies and vocational training.
Why This Program Matters
Education empowers individuals to:
- Build knowledge and confidence.
- Improve employment opportunities.
- Increase independence and self-reliance.
- Break the cycle of poverty.
- Participate actively in community development.
- Advocate for their rights.
- Become future leaders and professionals.
- Improve their quality of life.
By investing in education, TESFA invests in stronger families, resilient communities, and sustainable development.
Vision
A future where every refugee with a disability has equal access to quality, inclusive, and lifelong educational opportunities that enable them to reach their full potential.
Mission
To promote inclusive education and expand access to scholarships, academic support, and educational opportunities for refugees with disabilities through partnerships, advocacy, mentorship, and resource mobilization.
Goal
To improve educational access, academic success, professional development, and lifelong learning opportunities for refugees with disabilities.
Objectives
The Education & Scholarships Program aims to:
- Increase access to quality education.
- Support school enrollment and retention.
- Connect eligible members with local and international scholarship opportunities.
- Promote inclusive learning environments.
- Provide academic guidance and career counseling.
- Encourage lifelong learning and professional development.
- Reduce financial barriers to education.
- Improve digital learning skills.
- Strengthen partnerships with educational institutions.
- Support girls and women with disabilities in accessing education.
Our Services
TESFA provides a wide range of educational services, including:
Educational Counseling
Helping students choose suitable educational pathways and institutions.
Scholarship Support
Connecting eligible members with local and international scholarship opportunities.
Career Guidance
Supporting students in selecting academic programs that match their interests, skills, and career goals.
Academic Mentorship
Providing guidance, encouragement, and peer support throughout the educational journey.
School Enrollment Assistance
Supporting eligible learners in accessing schools, colleges, universities, and vocational training institutions.
Inclusive Education Advocacy
Promoting disability-friendly schools and accessible learning environments.
Digital Learning Support
Encouraging the use of online learning platforms, educational technology, and digital resources.
Educational Information Services
Sharing information about scholarships, admissions, training opportunities, and educational events.
Scholarship Categories
TESFA supports applications for:
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
- Certificate Programs
- Diploma Programs
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree (MA/MSc)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Professional Certification Courses
- Online Learning Programs
- Short-Term Skills Training
- Language Training Programs
Key Activities
Our Education & Scholarships Program includes:
- Scholarship awareness campaigns.
- Academic advising sessions.
- University admission guidance.
- Scholarship application support.
- Educational workshops.
- Career development seminars.
- Mentorship programs.
- School outreach activities.
- Digital literacy training.
- Educational partnership meetings.
- Student leadership training.
- Educational research.
- Parent and caregiver awareness sessions.
- Graduation recognition events.
- Alumni networking.
Target Beneficiaries
This program primarily benefits:
- Refugee children with disabilities.
- Refugee youth.
- University students.
- TVET trainees.
- Adult learners.
- Women and girls with disabilities.
- Refugees returning to education after interruption.
- Families supporting learners with disabilities.
Expected Outcomes
Through this program, TESFA aims to achieve:
- Increased school enrollment.
- Improved academic performance.
- Higher scholarship success rates.
- Reduced dropout rates.
- Greater access to higher education.
- Increased digital literacy.
- Enhanced employability.
- Improved leadership among educated refugees with disabilities.
- Stronger educational partnerships.
- More graduates contributing to community development.
Success Indicators
Success will be measured by:
- Number of students enrolled.
- Number of scholarship applications submitted.
- Number of scholarships awarded.
- Graduation rates.
- Student retention rates.
- Number of educational partnerships established.
- Number of mentorship sessions conducted.
- Beneficiary satisfaction.
- Employment or further education after graduation.
How We Implement This Program
TESFA delivers this program through:
- Partnerships with universities and training institutions.
- Collaboration with scholarship providers.
- Community outreach and awareness.
- Academic mentoring.
- Volunteer tutors.
- Online learning initiatives.
- Educational events and workshops.
- Monitoring and evaluation of student progress.
Partnerships
TESFA works with:
- Universities and colleges.
- Technical and vocational institutions.
- Schools and academies.
- Government education offices.
- UN agencies.
- International and local NGOs.
- Scholarship foundations.
- Corporate sponsors.
- Educational networks.
- Individual donors.
Sustainability
To ensure long-term impact, TESFA will:
- Build strong partnerships with educational institutions.
- Develop an alumni network to mentor future students.
- Mobilize scholarship funding from donors and partners.
- Promote volunteer tutoring and mentoring.
- Encourage graduates to give back through mentorship and community service.
- Strengthen digital learning resources and educational information systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for TESFA scholarship support?
Registered TESFA members with disabilities who meet the eligibility requirements and have an admission or offer letter from a recognized educational institution.
Does TESFA directly fund scholarships?
TESFA may mobilize funding when available, but its primary role is to connect members with scholarship opportunities, provide guidance, and support the application process.
Can I apply if I already have an admission letter?
Yes. Applicants with an admission or offer letter are encouraged to apply for scholarship support.
Can I apply for international scholarships?
Yes. TESFA supports applications for both local and international scholarship opportunities.
Can adults return to education?
Absolutely. TESFA promotes lifelong learning and supports adults who wish to continue or restart their education.
Get Involved
Education changes lives, and everyone can help make it accessible.
You can support this program by:
- Sponsoring a student’s education.
- Partnering with TESFA to provide scholarships.
- Volunteering as a mentor or tutor.
- Donating educational materials or assistive devices.
- Sharing scholarship opportunities with our members.
- Advocating for inclusive education in your community.
Together, we can empower refugees with disabilities through education and create a future where knowledge, skills, and opportunity are within everyone’s reach.
Contact the Education & Scholarships Program
TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association
📧 Email: education@tesfa.com.et/scholarship@tesfa.com.et
🌐 Website: www.tesfa.com.et�
“Education opens doors to opportunity. Together, let’s ensure that every refugee with a disability has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.”
Quick Links: Back to Programs
