Mekelle፡ 17 June 2024 (Tigray Herald)
By Yerga Yaecobe
Strategic Plan: Turning Tigray’s Crisis into a Catalyst for Recovery
Introduction
The Tigray region of Ethiopia has faced unimaginable devastation due to the recent genocidal conflict, resulting in extensive destruction and profound societal impacts. Tigray’s recovery demands a multifaceted strategy that leverages the intellectual and creative potential of its academic community. This document outlines a comprehensive plan to convert the post-genocide crisis into opportunities for recovery and development, emphasizing the crucial role of Tigray’s universities and colleges in writing and publishing books to raise international awareness and generate resources for rebuilding.
Vision
Transforming Tigray’s tragedy into a beacon of resilience and recovery through the power of knowledge and global advocacy.
Objectives
Document and Share Tigray’s Story: Mobilize the academic community to document the genocide’s impact, leveraging these narratives to garner intemational support and
awareness.
Generate Revenue for Development: Utilize book sales and associated activities to fund Tigray’s recovery and development programs.
Empower Academic Contribution: Engage Tigray’s universities in the region’s rebuilding efforts through research, education, and advocacy.
Strategy
1. Mobilizing Academic Resources
Action Steps:
Form a Coordinating Committee to oversee book writing and publishing efforts. Conduct workshops on writing, publishing, and marketing.
Secure research grants for projects documenting the war’s impact and recovery strategies.
Expected Outcomes:
A unified effort across Tigray’s academic institutions.
Enhanced writing and publishing skills among academics. Comprehensive, well-researched publications.
2. Writing and Publishing Books
Action Steps:
Encourage both individual and collaborative book projects on the genocide and its aftermath. Partner with international scholars and institutions for co-authoring and publishing.
Offer translation services to publish books in multiple languages.
Expected Outcomes:
A diverse range of books documenting Tigray’s genocide and its impacts. Increased international visibility and awareness of Tigray’s plight.
Enhanced global advocacy for Tigray’s recovery.
3. Marketing and Distribution
Action Steps:
Utilize online platforms like Amazon and academic publishers for global distribution.
Launch promotional campaigns using social media, academic networks, and international
organizations.
Organize book launch events, webinars, and participate in international conferences.
Expected Outcomes:
Effective global advocacy through strategic promotion.
Wide distribution and sales of books.
Revenue generation for Tigray’s recovery programs.
4. Revenue Utilization for Development
Action Steps:
Create a dedicated fund to manage the revenue from book sales.
Identify and prioritize key development projects in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Ensure transparent management and reporting of fund utilization.
Expected Outcomes:
Efficient allocation of resources for critical recovery projects.
Tangible improvements in Tigray’s infrastructure and services.
Enhanced trust and support from the international community.
Methodologies and Methods.
Participatory Approach: Engage the academic community in decision-making processes. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Foster collaboration across various academic disciplines.
Action Research: Combine writing with practical solutions for Tigray’s recovery.
Methods:
Qualitative Research: Conduct interviews and focus groups to gather personal narratives.
Case Studies: Develop detailed case studies of specific incidents and their impacts.
Mixed Methods: Combine qualitative and quantitative research for a holistic view of the genocide and its aftermath.
Slogans for Advocacy
“From Tragedy to Triumph: Rebuilding Tigray Through Knowledge”
“Voices of Tigray: Documenting Devastation, Inspiring Recovery”
“Knowledge for Resilience: Tigray’s Story to the World”
“Books for Rebirth: Writing Our Way to Recovery”
“Tigray’s Truth: From Crisis to Opportunity”
Conclusion
The academic community in Tigray plays a pivotal role in transforming the region’s
post-genocide crisis into opportunities for recovery and development. By documenting the impacts of the war and promoting these narratives internationally, Tigray’s universities can generate essential support and resources. This strategic plan provides a roadmap to harnessing academic potential for advocacy, revenue generation, and tangible improvements in Tigray’s infrastructure and societal well-being. Through coordinated efforts, Tigray can emerge from this crisis stronger, with a renewed commitment to education, resilience, and progress.
By following this strategy it will have greater impact for the future of Tigray inevitable independent state.
