The Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement
Fellows' Blog
Each year, a new cohort of disability rights professionals (Fellows) from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia travels to the US to participate in a five-week Fellowship Program on inclusive civic engagement. Each Fellow writes a blog about their experiences during the Fellowship. US hosts have the option to travel to Fellows’ home countries for a two-week technical assistance trip, providing additional support. These Outbound Fellows also contribute a blog post about their experiences and the impact of their work abroad. We invite you to read about our Fellows, learn more, and consider getting involved with PFP.
How the Professional Fellows Program Provided a New Perspective
Published:
Country: Kenya
When I arrived in Boston in the afternoon of September 29, 2022, I had no idea how the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement would relate to my study of National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) coverage of urinary and bowel incontinence supplies for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Little did I know, for me to pursue anyone — either the NHIF or individuals with SCI — I needed to be equipped with advocacy skills.
Read more...First Time Travel to the United States: The Experience of a Professional Fellow
Published:
Country: Uganda
This Fellowship experience has been a dream come true! Traveling to the US for the first time, I was anxious and unsure about what to expect but excited at the same time.
Read more...Living and Learning in Mississippi
Published:
Country: Ethiopia
I am Emebet Girma, a Disability Inclusion Officer in Ethiopia. I am working on promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in various development agendas and supporting mainstream organizations to become more inclusive of persons with disabilities.
Read more...Unlearning to Learn to Strike a Balance With New Knowledge to Forge Ahead
Published:
Country: Kenya
I write as I reminisce of the good old days when my pals from high school and I would one day relocate to the USA in search of milk and honey, a land of greener pastures. I am at the Pueblo De La Cienega dormitory at the University of Arizona (UA). I guess I finally made it to the UA, not by relocation, but as a Fellow in the Professional Fellows Program.
Read more...My Experience in Oklahoma: Honoring the Lives & Memories of the Victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing
Published:
Country: Tanzania
My name is Fides Uiso. This is my first time in the United States. I will share one of the most impactful experiences from the first week of my stay here in the US.
Read more...There’s Still Hope: My Experience with the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement
Published:
Country: Uganda
My name is Harunah Damba. I was born and raised in Kampala in Uganda. I am deaf and physically challenged. Growing up with multiple disabilities was very challenging. For years, I felt the need to conquer the persistent, daily hardship. As I learned to embrace my disability, I saw its value. Now, I appreciate the invaluable perspective that living with a disability has given me.
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