A Future Worth Imagining – Strategic Planning Workshop 2026 – 2030

Over three days, the Imagine1day Ethiopia team, alongside our headquarters team and Board Chair, came together to craft a bold and transformative strategic plan for 2026–2030. This milestone workshop was more than a planning session; it was a collective journey of reflection, vision, and recommitment to our purpose.

Reflecting on Our Journey

Ken Makenzie, Imagine1day Board Chair, and Dr. Seid Aman, Executive Director, opened the workshop by celebrating the remarkable achievements of our current strategy. They acknowledged both the successes and the challenges, including the opportunities ahead.

Grounding in Our Values

The strategy workshop began with a bold reflection on the foundations and purpose of our existence- revisiting our vision, mission, and rediscovering the core values that drive our impact. We explored the relationship between personal and organizational values, recognizing that who we are as individuals forms the bedrock of our shared culture. Through lively group discussions and reflection, we identified and refined our Core Values, evaluating them through the lens of Imagine1day’s current identity, culture, and aspiration.

Together, we asked: How do we truly live these values moving forward? The answers were bold, heartfelt, and filled with clarity.

Reimagining Our Vision and Mission

We turned our attention to the mission and vision, the compass that guides our journey. In groups, we explored critical questions:

• Is our mission and vision relevant?
• Are they fit for today and for the future?

We defined the “what do we do,” “for whom,” and “how” of our mission, crafting and debating multiple proposals. Together, we envisioned a mission and vision that speak not only to what we do but also to why it matters, now and in the years ahead. Our revised vision and mission are more than statements. They are a declaration of our unwavering commitment to those we serve.

 

 Designing Our Winning Strategy

We took a deep dive into strategic thinking, not just to plan projects, but to shape a future where Imagine1day continues to lead with purpose. We examined our path forward using five powerful lenses:

1. Our Winning Aspiration – What is our ultimate goal?
2. Where to Play – Which communities, sectors, and areas should we prioritize?
3. How to Win – What unique approaches set us apart?
4. Must-Have Capabilities – What do we need to succeed?
5. Enabling Management Systems – How do we support and sustain our strategy?

With clear deliverables, timelines, and accountability, our future roadmap began to take shape. The room buzzed with energy, creativity, and a sense of shared responsibility.

Celebrating Collaboration

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in dynamic group work, shared powerful insights, and offered innovative ideas rooted in field experience and community needs. Scott Eliot – Dr. Peter Foundation CEO, who masterfully facilitated the entire process, ensured that every voice was heard and every contribution valued.

As a special gesture, prizes were awarded to guests who contributed significantly, symbolizing our deep appreciation.

 

A Heartfelt Thank You

To every Imagine1day team member, facilitator, and partner: thank you!

Your presence, dedication, and courage to think boldly have shaped a future that is both ambitious and grounded in the reality of the communities we serve. Together, we have set a powerful direction to create a future that would not have otherwise existed.

We are ready to move forward—stronger, clearer, and more united than ever.

Let’s imagine more. Let’s achieve more. Together.

Story: Empowered Parenting: the heroic revolution of a mother at IDP, Zewde Wake

“My perspective changed dramatically after completing the ‘Good parenting skill’. Now, I approach parenting with love and understanding. I strive to be a good role model not only for my children but for my neighbors as well. I became a source of guidance and support in the IDP community, sharing the valuable lessons I learned,” says Zewde Wake, a 34-year-old mother of four in Azarti IDP site of Dangur district in Benishangul Gumuz region, Ethiopia.

Zewde was displaced from the Haypapu community of Dangur district in the Benishangul Gumuz region and relocated to the Azarti IDP site in Dangur district due to ongoing conflict in her area. She lost her husband during the conflict; she faced overwhelming challenges in raising her children—a son and three daughters—in a difficult environment.

Zewde says, “It has been almost three years since we started living here. I struggled deeply and fell into a psychological state that affected my ability to care for my kids. I often resorted to anger and physical discipline, which I deeply regret.”

As a part of the EU-funded project “Child Protection Support and Restoring Education Services to Conflict-Affected Women, Men, Girls, and Boys” implemented by Imagine1day, Zewde attended a parenting skills training that transformed her approach to motherhood.

“Before the training, I thought I could correct my children’s behavior through anger. I didn’t listen to them and often felt frustrated,” she admits, tears in her eyes. “The training also helped address the behavioral challenges my children faced, as they had dropped out of school due to the stress of their circumstances. With my new skills, I can nurture my children in a way that fosters their growth and well-being. I now see them as bright individuals with promising futures,” she shares with pride.

Zewde is happy with the fact that she is reached with holistic support. “Imagine1day stands out among humanitarian organizations because it focuses on developing our soft skills, in addition to providing essential supplies. This training has truly prepared us for the future. Today, I am proud to say that I have been certified as a good parent. Two of my children also graduated from the Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) program, and one of them is currently in grade 2 at Azarti IDP. Even though we face ongoing challenges, my children are happy, and that brings me joy,” Zewde says, her smile radiating warmth and hope.

The emotional bond between Zewde and her children has deepened, transforming their communication and intimacy into something modern and intelligent.

“I am the luckiest mother to have attended this training,” she concludes. “Thanks to the support from the EU, UNICEF, and Imagine1day, I can confidently say that we are on a positive path together.”

Story: Empowering teachers to empower education: Kebena’s story

“I couldn’t be more grateful to FCDO, UNICEF, and Imagine1day for empowering me to contribute to a legacy that will last for generations – serving the Accelerated Education Program (AEP) students effectively,” says Kebena Terfasa, a 27-year-old AEP facilitator at Horda Dongi Primary School in the Leka Dulecha district, East Wollega Zone of the Oromia region, Ethiopia.

Kebena has always been an outstanding student, consistently striving to be the best version of himself. With a degree in civil engineering, he was well-prepared to embark on a career in his field. However, while searching for a job, he discovered a vacancy for an AEP facilitator with Imagine1day. Despite his engineering background, he felt compelled to pursue this opportunity.

“When my family and friends heard about my decision to become an AEP facilitator, they were like, ‘You are supposed to be an engineer.’ But I couldn’t pass up the chance to contribute to a meaningful cause that is near and dear to my heart – teaching children in crisis settings. This opportunity allows me to reach children in need with education, a fundamental human right, and to lay a foundation for a better future for them and our nation. There is nothing more fulfilling than paving the way for the transformation of a generation. Taking this opportunity is the wisest decision I ever made while my fellow graduates are still wasting their time looking for engineering jobs. I am proud of myself that I have changed the lives of 40 AEP students I taught so far,” Kebena explains.

Kebena is more than just an AEP facilitator; he is a symbol of commitment and passion in his school and community. His creativity knows no bounds – as creative as making the sky the limit. He never gets enough of creating very high-quality teaching aids that enhance his effectiveness as a teacher.

“The short-term training from Imagine1day, combined with my desire to give all I have, has made me the best teacher I can be, despite my background. I have crafted teaching aids for all subjects using locally available materials. The drawing classes I have taken as a civil engineering student have helped me a lot to be more creative in preparing the aids. These aids have enabled my students to cover wider sessions in the simplest way possible without getting bored, helping them a lot to effectively catch up quickly in the accelerated program.

The inclusion of life skills in the program has also helped the students evolve beyond theoretical knowledge. I am grateful to FCDO, UNICEF, and Imagine1day for enabling me to become a professional teacher who delivers quality education at no cost but just an inspiration and the ability to think outside the box,” Kebena says.

Kebena is very happy and successful in his role. He dreams of continuing to serve children in emergency settings, dedicated to making a lasting impact.

 

 

Staff Bio: Yasabu Berkneh, Strategic Partnership Director

Yasabu is a seasoned education professional who joined Imagine1day in June 2022 and currently serves as the Strategic Partnership Director. His career reflects a longstanding commitment to improving education systems and fostering impactful partnerships at both national and regional levels.

He completed his primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary education in Felege Berhan, Debrework, and Mota, East Gojam, respectively. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Sociology from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

Yasabu dedicated 11 years to teaching at Yehibret Frie Secondary School, Tullubollo town, South West Shewa, Oromia, before transitioning to the Federal Ministry of Education, where he served in various key roles—from expert to Director General—contributing to national education policy and program implementation. He also led the ECW-MYRP One Coordination Unit, advancing coordinated humanitarian education responses.

Throughout his professional journey, Yasabu has been recognized for his integrity, professionalism, and results-driven leadership. His deep-rooted dedication, and collaborative spirit continue to make a significant impact on Ethiopia’s education landscape.