Tigray Development Association has played a great role in contributing to the development of Tigray for the past 20 years. As part of its five year development plan, TDA envisions a much more contribution for the years to come. It will play be an active and leading role in development effort of Tigray. It will, particularly, work towards education improvement and promoting investment opportunities in Tigray. It will seek to strengthen its tie with the regional government of Tigray, REST and other development partners in realizing its overall objectives. To celebrate its 20^th year anniversary, TDA international proposes in declaring the month of August as development month of Tigray. It might officially be declared by the Tigray Regional Government later on.

 

The purpose of declaring the month of August as Development Month of Tigray has many folds. Among them, but not limited to, are the followings:

To celebrate TDA’s 20th year anniversary colorfully and to organize such event year after.

To synthesize development issues through out Tigray from Kebele to regional government levels. 

To create an opportunity for renewing peoples commitment to the development of Tigray through special membership and volunteer drives.

 

The month of August is chosen for the following reasons:

1.      August is the month when TDA was established in Washington DC. It will give an opportunity to celebrate TDA’s birth every year.

2.      August is the most festive month of the year. There are two major holidays in the month of August; namely, Asheda and Enqutatash (New Year). It is the most natural month where people will be compelled to give volunteer services and financial support.

3.      It is out of school month giving the opportunity for students to volunteer in development effort. May people take a vacation during this month and can be used as a reason to connect with Tigray. People who live outside of Tigray use this month to visit their relatives.

4.      It is the end of year where people have an opportunity to reflect the passing year and look forward to a new year. It will be used as month to renew their commitment for the development of Tigray by renewing their membership to TDA and/or providing a volunteering service.

5.      It is the month where previous fiscal year performance is evaluated and new annual plan is approved

 

TDA propose that the Regional Government of Tigray declares “August” as “Tigray Development Month”. By declaring the month, the regional government encourages all bureaus, Federal government branch offices, Zonal offices, Woredas, Kebeles, non government organizations, civic associations, private and public institutions operating in Tigray to celebrate the month of August with special programs. Suggested programs are as follow; however, the above mentioned organizations shall be encouraged to come up with their own ideas as well:

 

Under a leadership of TDA, a permanent secretariat shall be established to oversee the proper and smooth implementation of the development month as well as to provide guidance and point of contact. The secretariat shall be housed at TDA international office and the Executive Director will become the chair of the Secretariat. The committee members shall be comprise of the following organizations:

1.      TDA (Executive Director and representative from Board

2.      Regional Government of Tigray

3.      REST

4.      DECSI

5.      EFFORT  

6.      Cultural and Tourism Office

7.      Investment Office

8.      Bureau of Trade, Industry and Transport

9.      Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations

10. Representatives from civic associations (Youth, Women)

11. Representative from Mekelle University and other Higher Education Institutions

12. Mekelle Mayors office

13. Media Representatives (ETV, Tigray Information Bureau, Dimitsi Woyane)

14. Representatives from Entertainment Industry (Mahber Keyeniti Tigray, also from Addis)

 

TDA International in partnership with relevant organizations and bureaus shall organize various activities during the month of August. TDA’s Chapters and Subchapters shall also organized smaller event in their area while celebrating the 20^th year anniversary. 

The exhibition will create an opportunity to show case organizations past achievement and their plan for the year ahead. About 100 organizations are expected to exhibit from the following institutions:

·         TDA International

·         Regional Government and its affiliate Bureau

·         City Government

·         Non Government development organizations (REST and others)

·         Private Business and Public institutions

A two day symposium shall be organized to address various development issues in Tigray. A call for paper shall be distributed to solicit international speakers on various topics. The topics shall include about Alternative energy and technology, Education, ICT, health, Agriculture, Water harvesting and micro credit. The symposium shall also address a review of past development activities and best practices. It will have a format of seminar, workshop, group discussion and presentations.

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The trade mission shall be organized to attract potential big investors from Ethiopian and abroad. During the mission representatives will get first hand information about investment opportunities in Tigray, meet with concerned officials and filed visit to various investment areas.

Various festival events shall be organized through out the month of August. The “Festival Tigray shall include the following but not limited to

a.       Entertainment (Cultural Tehadeso), TDA’s 20^th year anniversary shall be celebrated in the special dinner and entertainment program. An award ceremony shall be held during the event.

b.      Family and Fun Fair: A two-day, family entertainment day shall be organized on the street of Mekelle. There will be food fair, shops, parade and various entertainment activities

c.       Sports Activities: Together with Sport’s bureau, TDA shall organize various sports activities

a.       This could be done in collaboration with the Tigray Regional Government (the Region has expressed an interest)

a.       Mobilize University Students’ campaign to undertake tutorial programs in their local areas (July)

b.      Mobilize civil servants for organized volunteerism campaign – to do specific activities

c.       Establish a Volunteer Service center at TDA – define the responsibilities of stakeholders

d.       The Center should serve as a platform for knowledge and technology transfer

TDA shall use this opportunity for fundraising. It will be able to raise money from the following activities:

1.      Membership Drive

2.      Income from Tehadeso

3.      Sponsorship and Participation fee from exhibitors

4.      Special annual development and exhibitor catalogue

5.      Participation Fee from Trade Mission

6.      Entrance Fee to the Fun Fair

7.      Booth sales during Fun Fair