Mr. Gizachew Jekamo | Community Development | Best Researcher Award
PhD Scholar | Hawassa university | Ethiopia
Short Bio 
Gizachew Bula Jekamo is a dedicated professional hailing from Hawassa, Ethiopia, where he has established himself as a leader in education, community development, and youth empowerment. With a career marked by commitment and service, Gizachew’s work spans various roles aimed at fostering positive change and empowering youth across the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR).
Profile:
Education 
Gizachew’s academic journey is comprehensive and reflects his dedication to learning and growth. He completed his early education at Berkuncho Junior School and Wachamo Comprehensive High School. His pursuit of higher education led him to Hawassa Teachers Education College, where he earned a Diploma in Physics. Continuing his academic path, Gizachew graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Hawassa University in March 2008. He furthered his studies at the same institution, obtaining a Master of Arts in Development Management in March 2015. In September 2012, Gizachew earned an MBA from the Institutes of International Church Management. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Community Development at Hawassa University, focusing his research on youth participation in community development initiatives.
Experience 
Gizachew’s professional journey is characterized by his significant contributions in various leadership capacities: In his role as Director of the Youth Personality Development Directorate at the SNNPR Bureau of Youth and Sport from March 2017 to October 2019, and again since March 2022, Gizachew coordinated UNFPA-assisted programs aimed at enhancing youth development and protection. He provided crucial technical support to the SNNPR Women, Children and Youth Bureau (BoWCYA) from October 2019 to February 2022, focusing on youth empowerment through strategic initiatives and quality service improvement in youth centers across the region. Prior to these roles, Gizachew served as Process Owner for Organizing Sports Federations at the SNNPR Bureau of Youth and Children from May 2016 to April 2017, where he organized sports events and provided capacity-building training to enhance community engagement in sports activities. His experience also includes a tenure as Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at the SNNPR Bureau of Transport and Road from October 2010 to April 2015, where he developed and implemented robust monitoring and evaluation strategies for key programs. Earlier in his career, Gizachew held leadership positions such as Head of Human Resource Management Department at the SNNPR Bureau of Security and Administration (BoSA) from December 2008 to April 2009, and General Secretary at the SNNPR Office of Teachers Association from September 2005 to March 2008.
Research Interest 
Gizachew’s current research interests are centered around youth participation in community development. His PhD studies at Hawassa University focus on exploring effective strategies to enhance the engagement of young people in community-driven initiatives, aiming to empower and amplify their voices for sustainable development.
Awards 
Gizachew’s contributions have been recognized through various awards and accolades, highlighting his dedication and impact in community development and youth empowerment within the SNNPR.
Publications
- “Youth Participation in Community Development Initiatives: Strategies for Effective Engagement”
- Published in Journal of Community Development, 2023
- Link to publication
- “Empowering Youth Through Education: Case Studies from Southern Ethiopia”
- Published in International Journal of Education and Development, 2021
- Link to publication
- “Enhancing Youth Centers for Sustainable Impact: Lessons from SNNPR, Ethiopia”
- Published in Journal of Youth Studies, 2019
- Link to publication
- “Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment: Insights from UNFPA Programs in SNNPR”
- Published in Gender and Development Journal, 2018
- Link to publication