On a significant day at the AYA Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa, the FAWE Ethiopia Chapter brought together key stakeholders for the inception meeting of the Tuseme—A Voice for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and Refugee Children Project. This landmark initiative, set to be implemented across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, aims to transform the educational landscape for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugee children by promoting gender-responsive education and fostering social inclusion.

The Tuseme Project is built on innovative educational models, including the Tuseme (“Let’s Speak Out”) approach, Gender Responsive Pedagogy (GRP), and Centers of Excellence (COE). These models are designed to empower students, particularly girls, to voice their concerns, develop leadership skills, and actively participate in their education. In Ethiopia, the project will focus on IDP and refugee-hosting schools, with four mainstream schools in Addis Ababa, Adama, Hawassa, and Bahir Dar serving as pilot sites.

The inception meeting marked a critical step in the project’s journey, as stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies, share insights, and align on goals. Collaborative partners, including the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), HERS East Africa (HERS-EA), and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), are playing a pivotal role in ensuring that research-based approaches are used to adapt and expand these models. Their expertise will help tailor the project to the unique challenges faced by IDP and refugee children, ensuring that no child is left behind.

The Tuseme Project addresses three critical gaps in education:
Gender Equity: By promoting gender-responsive practices, the project ensures that girls and boys have equal access to quality education and opportunities.
Social Inclusion: The initiative fosters an inclusive environment where all students, regardless of their background, feel valued and supported.
Quality Education: Through innovative teaching methods and leadership development, the project aims to enhance the overall quality of education for vulnerable children.

FAWE Ethiopia, a leading advocate for girls’ education, remains steadfast in its mission to empower students to speak out, build confidence, and drive lasting change in their communities. The Tuseme Project is a testament to this commitment, offering a platform for students to amplify their voices and take charge of their futures.

As the project moves forward, FAWE Ethiopia and its partners are optimistic about the transformative impact it will have on the lives of students and their communities. By addressing the unique challenges faced by IDP and refugee children, the Tuseme Project is not just an educational initiative—it is a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment.