13 January 2025
From Classroom to Crisis Response: An Information Management Assistant Maps a Future in Humanitarian Aid
Tsion Taye Weldeyohannes, a recent graduate of Addis Ababa University, never envisioned her mapping skills playing a crucial role in humanitarian crises. "I learned about the internship with iMMAP Inc. through a social media post…while pursuing my MSc degree in remote sensing and geoinformatics," she explains. This chance encounter would redirect her career trajectory, leading her from academic pursuits to the front lines of humanitarian response.
A portrait of Tsion Taye Weldeyohannes. Photo: © iMMAP Inc. 2024, Sena Getahun
The internship program - a collaboration between iMMAP Inc. and Addis Ababa University, offers students a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in information management (IM) and analysis. As part of the inaugural cohort, Tsion embarked on a transformative six-month journey that shaped her skills and career aspirations.
The first three months immersed Tsion in intensive training sessions, both online and on-the-job, focusing on information management, data visualization and analysis. “I have been introduced to several IM tools and mapping software, and I was able to advance my cartographic skills that I had back in school,” she notes. After this foundational training, she progressed to the next stage which included field missions across Ethiopia, supporting iMMAP Inc.’s capacity-building team.
“My biggest achievement during my internship was having a new and greater purpose to map," Tsion reflects.
I used to map before, but there’s nothing better than mapping for a greater cause, knowing that it will be an input to make evidence-based decisions to help those in need.”
The opportunity to develop IM products for humanitarian partners and clusters sparked a newfound passion, turning her cartographic skills into a powerful tool for meaningful impact.
“I feel very honored to be part of a team supporting humanitarian responders with information management to enhance the efficiency of their intervention in meeting the needs of people affected by crisis,” Tsion shares.
The internship emphasized not only technical skills but also the importance of teamwork, collaboration, mutual respect, and collective responsibility in achieving common objectives. These values, coupled with the program's versatility and rapid product delivery, inspired Tsion’s career choice. “I believe that proper information management enables partners and humanitarian responders to make informative decisions and provide targeted assistance to the most vulnerable population,” she states.
Her story highlights the increasing recognition of data as a vital asset in humanitarian efforts.
First and second cohort interns with Dr. Biniyam, their mentors/supervisors. From left to right: Desalegn (Mentor), Masresh (1st cohort intern), Rekik, Dr. Biniyam, Lidiya (2nd cohort intern), Tsion (1st cohort intern), and Gashaw (Mentor, Head of HIST). Photo: ©iMMAP Inc. Ethiopia)
My key takeaway from the internship includes… realizing data is an asset that can profoundly affect the lives of millions."
Now an Information Management Assistant at iMMAP’s Ethiopia office, Tsion utilizes her acquired skills and values, ensuring every map she creates contributes meaningfully to aiding those affected by crisis. "Every time I work on a product," she affirms, "I remind myself that I have to do it with plenty of care, as it would be an input to make evidence-based decisions to help those in need."
Tsion's transformation from student to humanitarian professional exemplifies the power of opportunity and data's transformative potential in a world grappling with complex challenges. Her story can inspire aspiring young professionals, and women in STEM, demonstrating that a career can also serve a greater humanitarian purpose.