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International Women's Day celebration

On Women's Day, we celebrate every woman who has faced challenges with determination and turned hardships into bridges to success. To all the strong women who have shared their stories of struggle with us, we raise our hats in appreciation and respect. You are a symbol of resilience and inspiration. You are strong, and your strength creates a better tomorrow!

Distribution of Ramadan dates provided by the Saudi Embassy

Appreciation and Gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his efforts in implementing the Iftar Program for Fasting Muslims in Ethiopia, reflecting the spirit of giving and solidarity. We also thank the Kingdom for the gift of premium dates, and we are honored that Ghadan Afdal organization was part of the distribution, helping to deliver this generosity to those in need.

Distribution of 1,000 food baskets provided by the UAE AID

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting refugee communities, Tomorrow is Better Organization successfully carried out a food distribution project in collaboration with the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with generous support from the Emirati Aid Foundation.

From March 19 to April 2, 2025, a total of 1,000 food baskets were distributed to refugees of various nationalities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This effort provided essential food support to refugees from Yemen, Syria, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan, and other nationalities, aiming to enhance food security and support the most vulnerable groups.

Community Eid al-Fitr celebration

Tomorrow is Better Foundation organized a greeting EID ceremony for Arabic speakers. The ceremony was held at the Addis Ketma building on April 6, 2025. Prominent figures from the Ethiopian government attended the ceremony, in support of Arabic-speaking Ethiopians. Among the most prominent were Ambassador Dina Mufti, Parliamentarian Mohamed El Arousi, and Hanan, founder of the Bab El Khair Organization.

Participation in the International Conference on Forced Displacement

The "Tomorrow is better Foundation" participated in the international conference on "Exploring the Global Perspective on Forced Displacement and Migration from a Southern Lens through Policy, Research, and Practice" held in Addis Ababa over two consecutive days.

The conference took place on April 24, 2025,

and was organized by the Chair for Forced Displacement and Migration Studies at Addis Ababa University (AAU), supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and hosted by the College of Education and Behavioral Studies, in collaboration with the Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS).

The purpose of the conference was to create a platform for discussion on topics such as:

- Policy and governance of forced displacement,

- Integration of services (such as education, health, and documentation),

- Mental health and psychosocial support,

- Durable solutions,

- Displacement economies,

- Regional and global mechanisms,

- And cross-cutting issues.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Acting President of Addis Ababa University, Dr. Samuel Kifle,

the Director General of the Refugees and Returnees Service, Ms. Tayba Hassan,

the Canadian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Joshua Tabah,

and several other high-ranking officials.

The official launch ceremony of the Tomorrow is Better Organization

Praise be to God, yesterday, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the official launch and inauguration of our organization (A Better Tomorrow) took place at a prominent and distinguished inauguration ceremony in Ethiopia - Addis Ababa (Best Western Hotel). The ceremony was attended by a group of prominent officials in Ethiopia from several organizations and various responsible bodies:
From RRS (Mr. Ashenafi Demeke),
From UNHCR (Mr. David Karp),
From ReDSS (Mr. Almos Asfaw),
From the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (His Excellency Ambassador Dina Mufti),
From the Ethiopian Parliament (Mr. Mohamed Alarousi),
From Addis Ababa University (Mr. Ababa Minay),
From Bab Al Khair Association (Mr. Hanan),
And several other organizations, including (DICAC - JRS - INKOMOKO - FRC - DRC - Mercy - LWF - Ethio Friends - EHRC),
And refugee representatives of various nationalities (Syrian - Yemeni - (Somalia)
Everyone praised our organization's significant role in amplifying the voices of refugees, addressing their concerns, and creating pathways for them to a better future.

Participation in the refugee scholarship awareness program

Scholarships for Refugees – Powered by Mastercard Foundation

We at Tomorrow is Better (TIB) are pleased to share key insights and opportunities gathered from the Scholarship Awareness Session held on May 21, 2025, at the JRS Center in Cherkos, Addis Ababa. The session was organized in collaboration with DREEM and WUSC, and supported by the Mastercard Foundation.

Purpose of the Session

The event aimed to help refugees and displaced youth (ages 18–35) access fully funded undergraduate scholarships to some of the best universities across Africa, sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Our Contribution

TIB summarized all key details from five top universities located in Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Africa—covering available majors, benefits, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application links. The summary was made available in both Arabic and English to make the information accessible and easy to understand for refugee communities.

General Seminar on Migration and Resettlement

Today, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the "Better Tomorrow" organization held a seminar on immigration and resettlement. The seminar hosted human rights activist Hamir Al-Jaafari, who provided valuable information to the brothers and sisters present from various nationalities and answered their questions about resettlement and immigration procedures. As an organization, we thank him for his presence, and God willing, we will meet again. We will also publish links explaining how resettlement and immigration work, as well as links to the names of institutions, organizations, churches, and mosques in Canada, via the organization's social media platforms.

Yemen Al Khair Bazar (2)

"Yemen Al-Khair 2" — More than a Bazaar, a Voice of Refugees and a Vision for a Better Tomorrow.

From May 30 to June 3, 2025, Tomorrow is Better Organization opened new doors of opportunity by organizing the “Yemen Al-Khair 2” Bazaar at Bilal Al-Habashi Center in Addis Ababa.

With the participation of 27 refugees from diverse backgrounds — Yemenis, Sudanese, Eritreans, and refugee mothers from Ethiopia — the venue was transformed into a vibrant space full of handmade crafts, local products, and stories told through talent, resilience, and hope.

The goal was clear: to empower refugees, especially women, by linking them to the local labor market — showcasing their skills, amplifying their talents, and helping them build meaningful connections within the community.

Over the course of five days, the bazaar welcomed an estimated 200 to 250 visitors. But beyond the numbers, the true impact was visible: renewed self-confidence, real networking opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging.

In an effort to amplify this impact, our organization extended formal invitations to key institutions and figures, whose presence meant the world to our participants. Honored attendees included:

Representatives from UNHCR

A delegation from the Qatar Embassy

Members of INKOMOKO

Representatives from Bab Al-Khair Organization

MP and advisor Mohamed Al-Arusi

Mr. Yahya, a well-known social media personality in Ethiopia

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bilal Al-Habashi Center for hosting this event, and to all supporters, partners, and guests who made this initiative possible.

To further encourage our participants, Tomorrow is Better Organization awarded official Certificates of Appreciation to each of them — a symbolic yet meaningful gesture to recognize their efforts and inspire continuity, confidence, and creativity.

Special thanks to the media outlets ATV and AMN Plus for covering the event and sharing the message with a broader audience.

Because we believe empowerment starts with trust, grows through partnership, and thrives on hope.

Strategic meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees at JRS

Tomorrow is Better Participates in Strategic Meeting with UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 | JRS Headquarters – Addis Ababa

In a defining moment that reflects growing international recognition of our work, Tomorrow is Better took part in a high-level strategic meeting between the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi, held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

Representing our organization, Ms. Ebtesam Khalid, founder of Tomorrow is Better, met with Mr. Grandi and his delegation. The High Commissioner and his team expressed their deep admiration for the organization’s impactful role in representing refugees and addressing their key concerns, especially through initiatives that highlight refugee-made products and promote their economic and social integration into Ethiopian society.

This moment of international acknowledgment reinforces our mission to continue empowering and uplifting refugee communities — by refugees, for refugees.

We remain committed to inclusion, advocacy, and amplifying refugee voices.

National Consultation on ICESCR

“Tomorrow is Better” Participates in National Consultation on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in Ethiopia

Date: Friday, 13 June 2025

Location: Bishoftu City, Ethiopia

As part of its commitment to advocating for refugee rights, Tomorrow is Better took part in the National Forum on the Draft of Ethiopia’s 4th and 5th Comprehensive Reports on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which Ethiopia is preparing to submit to the United Nations.

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What is the ICESCR?

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) is one of the core international human rights treaties adopted by the United Nations in 1966. It protects essential human rights including:

• The right to decent work

• The right to education

• The right to adequate living standards

• The right to health

• The right to social security

• Protection of the family and equal opportunity

Why is it important?

The ICESCR serves as a legal and moral framework that holds states accountable for ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for all people — including refugees. Countries that ratify the covenant are obligated to reflect its principles in their national laws, policies, and reports.

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Forum Highlights:

The event was organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Justice of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, and brought together civil society organizations, government representatives, and human rights actors.

In his keynote remarks, Commissioner Abdi Jibril of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to international human rights, noting that the country has ratified 7 of the 9 core UN treaties — a strong indication of its engagement in protecting human dignity.

Ato Iyasu Keleme, representing the Ministry of Justice, explained that the draft report was prepared in collaboration with various national institutions and that inclusive stakeholder participation is key to transparency and accountability in the national reporting process.

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Tomorrow is Better’s Contribution:

Our organization played a central role in representing the refugee perspective within the national report. We submitted technical recommendations highlighting the real-life challenges refugees face in accessing education, healthcare, and work opportunities in Ethiopia — ensuring these voices are heard and reflected in the state’s international commitments.

The forum concluded with group discussions, where participants shared constructive feedback to improve the report. Tomorrow is Better’s contributions were among the key inputs related to refugee rights.

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In Conclusion:

Our participation in this national forum reflects our ongoing mission to amplify refugee voices in national policy and human rights mechanisms — ensuring that their issues are not overlooked in Ethiopia’s commitments to human rights and social justice.

Represents Refugees at High-Level Dialogue

"Tomorrow is Better" Represents Refugees at High-Level Dialogue on Inclusion and Support in Ethiopia

Date: Friday, 13 June 2025

Venue: Sheraton Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

In a landmark event reflecting Ethiopia’s and the international community’s commitment to meaningful refugee inclusion and support to host communities, Tomorrow is Better participated in the High-Level Dialogue on Advancing Refugee Inclusion and Support to Host Communities in Ethiopia, jointly organized by the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

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High-Level Participation:

Held at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa, the dialogue brought together UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi, RRS Director General Ms. Teyba Hassan, senior Ethiopian government officials, international dignitaries, and key humanitarian and development stakeholders.

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A Symbolic Selection and Active Representation:

In a moment of pride for the refugee community in Ethiopia, Tomorrow is Better was officially selected as the representative organization of Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) at the event. This recognition comes in light of the organization’s ongoing work in advocating for refugee rights and community empowerment.

Notably, the founder of Tomorrow is Better, Ms. Ebtesam Khalid, was chosen to symbolically represent refugees during this high-level engagement. She met with High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, who commended the organization’s impactful work and its leadership in giving voice to refugees.

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Dialogue Highlights:

The discussions addressed several core themes:

• Inclusive policies for refugee integration

• Strengthening refugee self-reliance and protection

• Promoting sustainable international partnerships

• Supporting host communities

• Advancing long-term, dignified, and peaceful solutions to displacement

In a parallel engagement, the High Commissioner and RRS leadership held a private meeting with the President of Ethiopia, reaffirming the country’s leading role in hosting one of the largest refugee populations in Africa. The meeting also emphasized the need for global solidarity and durable solutions that uphold dignity and development.

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Tomorrow is Better at the Heart of the Conversation:

Our organization’s presence at this forum reflects our mission not only to serve refugees, but to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making spaces. The recognition affirms the crucial role of refugee-led organizations in shaping the humanitarian and development agenda in Ethiopia.

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Our Message:

At Tomorrow is Better, we believe refugee inclusion must be rooted in direct participation and leadership. True inclusion begins with listening to refugees, creating space for their perspectives, and defending their dignity through every policy, platform, and partnership.

Shines as a Key Participant in Training on Child Protection

“Tomorrow is Better” Shines as a Key Participant in Training on Child Protection and Psychosocial Support for Refugees in Ethiopia

Date: June 12–13, 2025

Location: JRS Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organized by:

• UNHCR – The UN Refugee Agency

• JRS – Jesuit Refugee Service

• RRS – Refugees and Returnees Service

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As part of ongoing efforts to enhance child protection and mental health support within refugee communities, JRS — in collaboration with UNHCR and RRS — organized a focused two-day training under the title:

“Child Protection and Psychosocial Support for Frontline Workers, Community Leaders, and Refugee Outreach Volunteers (ROVs)”

The training took place over two intensive days at the JRS headquarters in Addis Ababa, gathering participants from civil society organizations, refugee volunteers, and community-based protection actors.

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Objectives of the Training:

• Strengthen core understanding of child protection based on UNICEF principles

• Equip participants to respond to child protection risks in emergencies

• Provide basic psychological support and manage disorganized behavior

• Raise awareness of issues like early marriage, child labor, and separation from family

• Encourage community engagement in protecting vulnerable children

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Key Topics Covered:

• The definition and scope of child protection

• Children in emergency settings: unaccompanied and separated children

• Challenges in implementation: limited resources, stigma, weak referral systems

• Self-care and coping with grief while supporting others

• Understanding community roles in child protection

• Communication techniques to support distressed individuals

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Tomorrow is Better at the Heart of the Event:

Tomorrow is Better proudly took part as one of the most active participants in the training. Our team of volunteers and refugee community leaders engaged meaningfully in group discussions and shared firsthand insights into the challenges faced by refugee children.

Participants from our organization were awarded official certificates of completion, confirming their readiness to contribute to child protection and mental health support efforts in their communities.

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Benefits of Participation for Refugees:

Our involvement in this training will have a direct impact on the ground, through:

• Enhancing our capacity to identify and respond to child protection cases

• Delivering awareness sessions for refugee families and youth

• Providing psychosocial support for children affected by trauma and displacement

• Strengthening referral pathways and coordination with partner organizations

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Our Message:

At Tomorrow is Better, we believe child protection is not a luxury — it is a shared responsibility. We remain committed to building a safer, more compassionate future for every refugee child.

Refugees International Day

"Tomorrow Is Better" Participates in Ethiopia’s World Refugee Day Celebration

On the occasion of World Refugee Day, held this year under the theme "Solidarity With Refugees", Tomorrow Is Better—a refugee-led organization—was honored to attend the national event that brought together representatives from the government, international organizations, and civil society.

The celebration emphasized that solidarity with refugees is not just a slogan. It is a daily commitment translated into fair policies, inclusive practices, and real support that restores dignity to the millions who have been forced to flee their homes.

In a keynote address, Mr. Mulualem Desta, Deputy Director General of the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), reminded all attendees that Ethiopia hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa—thanks not only to its geographical position but also to its deeply rooted values of hospitality, compassion, and solidarity.

At Tomorrow Is Better, we believe that a refugee is not a burden, but a force for change, a potential leader, and a valuable contributor when given the opportunity.

Our presence at this important event was a reaffirmation of our mission: to empower refugees, amplify their voices, and engage meaningfully in shaping the policies that affect them.

True solidarity is not limited to one day—it is an ongoing practice that begins with listening and grows through shared action.

Tomorrow Is Better Organization

Refugees shaping tomorrow with their own hands