TASFA-EDSI National Conference and Consultative Sessions (In-Person and Virtual)
National Conference
Wars destroy families and communities, resulting in the mass destruction of cities and disruption of the social and economic fabric of nations. It takes decades to build a community but takes a few hours/days to destroy it. In Ethiopia in the last six months alone, millions have been displaced; thousands of schools, healthcare facilities, and social centers have been destroyed; and the meager infrastructure the country had has been severely affected. The Diaspora from all corners of the world has come forward to mobilize resources to support displaced communities. The Ethiopian government has also asked the Diaspora community to help support displaced people, re-build infrastructure and be the voice for 100+ million Ethiopians on world stages. This call to service is designed to engage diaspora community members traveling to Ethiopia for the upcoming Ethiopian Christmas to reconstruct damaged infrastructure, social facilities, and related activities.
Event Organizers:
Teach and serve for Africa – Ethiopian Diaspora Service Initiative (TASFA-EDSI) and Ethiopian Diaspora Agency.
Hourly Schedule
Monday January 10, Morning
- Opening Event - Plenary Session
- The plenary session will include opening remarks from keynote speakers, first-hand information on the extent of the damage caused by the war from the regional leadership of the war-affected areas and the leadership of federal government ministries responsible for the major sectors (education, health, social services, tourism, and infrastructure). Brief outlines of the follow-up breakout sessions will also be provided. During the breakout sessions, discussions will be held to understand the specific extent of the damage in the different sectors and share ideas on how to organize and prepare for the post-war reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. Registration is required to attend these sessions
Monday January 10, Afternoon
- Breakout Session # 1 - Education Sector
- According to recent reports, over 4000 schools have been damaged or destroyed, over 45000 teachers are out of work, and universities in the war-affected regions have been closed affecting over 1.4 million K - 12 and higher education students. Even though the extent of the damage incurred has not been fully assessed yet, it is clear that it has had a significant impact on families' livelihoods across the affected regions and the country. In this breakout session, the TASFA-EDSI education team in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ethiopian Diaspora Agency, and local and diaspora subject matter experts, will discuss/brainstorm how to resume school services and rebuild what was damaged. Please register if you plan to attend In this breakout session, the TASFA-EDSI education team in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ethiopian Diaspora Agency, and local and diaspora subject matter experts will discuss / brainstorm how to resume school services and rebuild what was damaged. Please register if you plan to attend
Monday January 10, Afternoon
- Breakout Session #2 - Health Sector
- One of the most crucial services needed, especially during times of war, is the health sector. Unfortunately, healthcare services facilities have been among the most heavily impacted infrastructures in the war-affected areas. According to a recent report, over 40 hospitals, 453 healthcare centers, 1850 clinics, and 466 private healthcare institutes have been destroyed or looted. In this breakout section, speakers from regional governments, subject matter experts, and conference participants will discuss ways to address the provision of immediate healthcare needs, post-war reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, as well as long-term plans to support the mental and social well being of war victims
Monday January 10, Afternoon
- Breakout Session #3 - Women and Social Affairs Sector
- War hurts the well-being of citizens by disrupting their social, economic, and political patterns. Over eight million Ethiopians have been displaced from the war-affected regions and family members have been separated when some fled their communities while other family members were left behind. People who stay in the war zone are affected mentally and physically (living in a state of shock) after witnessing atrocities and faced with a lack of food, drinking water, and basic services. Experiencing severe trauma or life-threatening events causes shock to both the mind and body. Long-term exposure to war and postwar conditions can cause serious psychological consequences including depression, and suicidal attempts. In addition to rebuilding infrastructure (schools, health centers, roads, and bridges), much work needs to be done in developing a safety net to help IDPs cope with stress and related side effects. A dialogue between experts, policymakers, and civic societies working in the field will be facilitated during this breakout session
Monday January 10, Afternoon
- Breakout Session #4-Infrastructure and Communication Sectors
- The energy and communication sectors have played a vital role in enabling the country’s rapid economic growth. Unfortunately, reports indicate that there has been significant destruction of this infrastructure in the war-affected areas and requires immediate action. In this breakout session, leaders, experts, and participants will share information on the extent of the damage and discuss possible ways diaspora/local professionals and other stakeholders can help in recovery efforts.
Monday January 10, Afternoon
- Breakout Session #5 - Hospitality and Tourism Sectors
- Wars destroy families and communities, resulting in the mass destruction of cities and disruption of the social and economic fabric of nations. It takes decades to build a community but takes a few hours/days to destroy it. In Ethiopia in the last six months alone, millions have been displaced; thousands of schools, healthcare facilities, and social centers have been destroyed; and the meager infrastructure the country had has been severely affected. The Diaspora from all corners of the world has come forward to mobilize resources to support displaced communities. The Ethiopian government has also asked the Diaspora community to help support displaced people, re-build infrastructure and be the voice for 100+ million Ethiopians on world stages. This call to service is designed to engage diaspora community members traveling to Ethiopia for the upcoming Ethiopian Christmas to reconstruct damaged infrastructure, social facilities, and related activities.
Monday January 10, Afternoon
- Breakout Session # 6 - Information Technology and Social Media