INEE Member Spotlight: Adane Wondim

Location: Ethiopia 

Contact: adanewondim469@gmail.com

Job title:  Education in Emergency Coordinator

Introduce yourself to other members. Tell us who you are and summarize the work you do or interest you have in EiE.  

I am working currently as the EiE Coordinator at Plan Iinternational Ethiopia. I have been working in the EiE sector for the four years in the refugee and IDPs context. Over all, I value the important role played by education in crisis and emergencies contexts. My work allows me to make meaningful contributions to ensuring access to quality education for people affected by any man-made and natural disasters.

What has been a highlight of your work as a professional in EiE? Feel free to share a personal story.  

I have been working as a teacher, EiE officer and coordinator in INGOs for more than 15 years. I have been contributing in providing quality education for the crisis affected population of refugees and IDPs in Ethiopia. 

In my experience of implementing EiE programs in the context of the crisis, I have encountered a lot of challenges related to resource limitations for providing quality education response. What I have come to realize is that the EiE Minimum Standards, though crucial, depend on availability of financial resources. Therefore, funding is very important for ensuring the full engagement of partners working in this area.

When and why did you join INEE, and what is the value of INEE membership to you?  

I joined the INEE in 2022. I have gained a lot of updates on the focus area of Minimum Standards and guiding points for better implementation of the Standards. I have found the membership valuable for getting innovative ideas for improving emergency education delivery approaches.

How do you currently engage with the INEE network? 

I have participated in an Minimum Standards orientation cohort which was conducted in July 2022. I have been using EiE resources from the network for my day to day work.

How would you like INEE members to connect and engage with you? What skills, experience and/or technical support would you be willing to share or provide to other members and/or INEE Secretariat?

I prefer the members to connect with me through emails and social media platforms. I welcome members to share the best experience and success stories in their respective areas of work. I especially look forward to connecting with members for expanding educational opportunities without geographical borders.

Anything else you want to share with members? 

I would like to call on the members to collaborate and bring innovative ideas to deliver quality education, particularly digital learning platforms for inclusive education during a crisis.

*Published on October 2023.