CARD Werdwet Research Fellowship is a research fellowship program created by CARD in 2020 to build the capacity of young researchers while also promoting indigenous knowledge to fight inequality and look for ways of protecting the rights of vulnerable and minority groups in Ethiopia. The research fellowship project gives young women and men opportunities to pursue their passion for researching and promoting their ideas to bring about a just society. One of the first research fellows, Hiywot Samuel will launch her research report on the 23 June 2023 at the Sapphire Addis Hotel with the presence of different stakeholders. Hiywot’s research is titled “Double Burden” and focuses on the impact of political instability on the implementation of the right to inclusive education for persons with disabilities in Oromia. She has assessed practical challenges in selected high schools in conflict-prone areas.  

Hiywot shares her experience as a Werdwet Fellow here below.

I would like to start by expressing my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the Werdwet Fellowship opportunity that I received from CARD in 2022. Being selected as a fellow was a great honor and a source of excitement for me. I believe that this fellowship has encouraged many young emerging researchers to address various issues and contribute to the betterment of our country.

Personally, as a Werdwet Fellow, I was passionate and determined to understand the key problems and challenges of the targeted research areas. During the research, I faced many challenges, such as the political instability of the country and some other restrictions in the process of data collection. However, I was privileged to receive support from the CARD team, my advisor Dr. Solomon Tekle, my colleagues, and others. The journey was very educational, and I had to take every moment and learn new things.

In my research development, I applied various methods and approaches such as conducting interviews with students, teachers, and leaders of different governmental and nongovernmental organizations and analyzing collected data, and reviewing several works of literature on the topic. The findings of the research shed light on the impact of political instability on the right to education of students with disabilities in high-conflict areas. The study has changed my perception of the right to education of students with disabilities and strengthened my interpersonal skills like communication and leadership. I am confident that this research will contribute to the full and effective implementation of inclusive education in my country and serve as a good input on the matter. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all CARD team members, my advisor, other Werdwet Fellows, friends, and families for their wholehearted support during my fellowship. Their support was instrumental in my success, and I look forward to continuing to engage with them in the future.

You can download Hiywot Samuel's Research titled "DOUBLE BURDEN: The Impact of Political Instability on the Implementation of the Right to Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities in Oromia: Practical Challenges and Prospects in Some Selected Secondary Schools" by clicking here.