Telling their own story: Ethiopia's displaced children, mothers share their experiences
Millions of Ethiopians have been displaced in the last 12 months, running from inter-communal conflict and natural disasters that have plagued the country.
Areas where World Vision has long term programming, through its 15-year Area Programme community development model, have seen a dramatic spike in new arrivals seeking shelter and safety.
The situation is dire and humanitarian assistance is desperately needed. World Vision recently met with people who fled their homes and arrived in Habro, in Oromia state.
They shared their stories:
Fatuma, 30 years old, a mother of two
“We had a fully furnished house but here we are broke. We don’t have even a good mattress to sleep, we don’t have enough food, our children are only eating a single meal, white rice, and it is really tasteless. We eat only for the sake of survival.
“Our children are facing greater problem than us. As you know, children need almost everything but we have nothing to give. They need new clothes and good food, but we can’t afford that.
“We are facing big problem, we are almost hopeless. We need somebody to intervene and support us.”
Samira, 12 years old
"I was sick with a stomach ache and admitted to this clinic, but the medications was expired and there was no medical person there for us," Semira
World Vision is concerned about the conditions in communities that have seen thousands of displaced people arrive.
Rabia, 20, a mother of one
“I dress my child only by pieces of clothes that have been cut from my skirts. I eat white rice that doesn’t have enough sauce and no taste at all. I am feeling really helpless and hopeless. I don’t have enough soap to clean my two month child and myself.”
Desta, 20 years old, a mother of one
“The last six months have been the worst time in my life. I have not had enough food to eat and feed my child. These days, since the child is becoming above 6, she needs extra food. I also need oil and soap. We need a mattress and bed sheets.”
Tajir, 17 years old
“I was attending Grade 8, I want to be a scientist and contribute for my country and family. But I haven’t gone to school here. If I could a get someone to intervene and give me schooling materials like books, exercise books, a bag and pencils, it would be enough to go to the school here.”
Mekuria, an emergency rehabilitation centre officer in Habro woreda
“The health condition is very critical. Nutrition is also very serious and they need these things to be given or provided. People want to have extra food and supplementary foods. They always eat white rice, and because of this, children are underweight.”
World Vision is responding
World Vision is responding to the need of displaced people in Ethiopia. In recent months, World Vision has provided medical supplies to health centres serving areas that have seen a dramatic influx in internally displaced people arrive. Education, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation support has also been provided to more than 26,000 displaced people.
Still, the need is overwhelming and there is more to do.
World Vision has appealed for $10 million US to expand its response and meet the immediate and longterm needs of internally displaced people and people in their host communities.