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Cherinet Hariffo
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Hariffo advocating for African youth at the UNDESA in 2022
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| Born | June 2, 2001
Ethiopia
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| Nationality | Ethiopian |
| Other names | Cherinet Alem |
| Occupation(s) | Social Justice, Education, and Refugee Advocate |
| Notable work | Young Education Champion |
Cherinet Hariffo is an Ethiopian-born activist known for his work in advocating for education and refugee rights. Having experienced displacement himself, he fled Ethiopia at the age of nine in search of safety and educational opportunities. As a refugee child, he faced challenges accessing education, which motivated him to work towards ensuring equal educational opportunities for all.
Hariffo is committed to empowering refugees, internally displaced persons, and marginalized youth from impoverished backgrounds. He actively supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030) and champions the importance of youth participation in political leadership.
Collaborating with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government entities, academic institutions, and state agencies, Hariffo strives to develop and promote inclusive and accessible high-quality education worldwide. His efforts aim to address the systemic barriers that hinder educational access and opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
Born in Moyale Woreda Ethiopia, Cherinet Hariffo was born into extraordinarily challenging circumstances, enduring a childhood devoid of typical play or conventional upbringing experiences. His earliest memories are marked by constant struggle and a relentless pursuit of survival. Raised in various locations across Ethiopia and Kenya, Hariffo faced significant adversity from a young age.
In Ethiopia, he lacked the presence of parental figures, navigating his upbringing without the guidance of a father or mother. Upon relocating to Kenya, Hariffo sought solace and support within religious institutions such as churches and mosques, as well as among foster families from diverse backgrounds, including Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Somalia.
Amidst the challenges, Hariffo found solace and acceptance among foreigners, particularly Kenyans and individuals from other nationalities, forming strong bonds with those who embraced him. Despite his strong desire to attend school, educational opportunities were scarce, and Hariffo was unable to pursue formal education during his childhood.
His life was characterized by constant instability, as he frequently moved between residences and districts. In Eastleigh, Kenya, Hariffo worked for Somali business individuals to earn money for sustenance. Additionally, he frequently sought resolution regarding his refugee case at UNHCR Kenya, adding to the complexity of his upbringing.
At the age of 13, Hariffo found himself in Kariobangi, a location known for its meat processing industry. He supported himself by selling goat and sheep's legs to customers who traveled from distant places. Despite the challenges, Hariffo seized an opportunity to enroll in evening classes, paying a nominal fee to enhance his English language skills and fluency in Swahili language.
Throughout his childhood, Hariffo navigated the harsh realities of life independently, facing obstacles with resilience and determination.
Cherinet Hariffo's educational journey has been characterized by challenges and resilience. Throughout his early years, he encountered unforeseen circumstances that often disrupted his academic pursuits. He began his schooling at Moyale Full Gospel Churches of Kenya Primary School and later attended Gash Abdi Academy (also known as Nama Bori). Despite facing adversity, After migrating to the US in 2019 Hariffo graduated from Lower Merion High School in 2021. Later in 2024, Hariffo graduated from Temple University.
Hariffo has been actively engaged in advocating for social justice, with a particular focus on education equality. His notable work spans across various countries, including Switzerland, the UK, Rwanda, Kenya, the USA, Germany, Poland, and many others.
Throughout his career, Hariffo has held numerous positions in youth groups, including Youth for SDGS 2030, an organization he co-founded with over 63 chapters worldwide. He has collaborated with the United Nations and specialized agencies, as well as intergovernmental bodies, notably working to enhance youth participation from the global south.
Hariffo's advocacy efforts have involved working closely with member states to promote youth-friendly policies and engaging with young people worldwide on issues related to education and political participation. Despite his young age, he has interacted with heads of state and leaders of multilateral organizations, consistently championing the cause of high-quality and accessible education for all.
