ShelterBox has now been responding in Somalia for over a year. The worst drought in 40 years destroyed livelihoods and forced people from their homes. We have been working with Juba Foundation to support families.
A changing crisis
For the last 4 years Somalia, in the Horn of Africa, was gripped by a devastating drought. It destroyed crops and killed livestock. The effects were catastrophic, with the country on the brink of famine. Thousands of people were forced from their homes. Many had to move again and again.
The country has also suffered from violence and conflict. This has been between clans, and between the government and militant group Al-Shabaab. The violence has also driven people from their homes.
The situation in Somalia is complex, and has evolved in the time we have been working there. In late 2023 heavy rainfall arrived in the country. Rather than bringing relief, the rain caused flash-flooding as it struck drought hardened ground. The floods destroyed shelters, crops, and forced more people from their homes. For many this was not the first time they were displaced. The political situation in the country is also rapidly evolving. This is causing more uncertainty and could potentially lead to more displacement.
The result of these crises is that 700,000 people have lost their homes – forced to move to find food, work, shelter and security.
A place to call home
People like to describe a home as a place to ‘put down roots’. It’s somewhere we anticipate being for the long-term. For many people in Somalia though, being able to stay somewhere long-term is only a dream. When families try to settle in a new place after being displaced, they can often be evicted without notice. This means that some people have had to move many times.
To combat this, we have been working with our partner Juba Foundation to obtain for the people we are supporting a right to remain for up to two years. In some places we have been able to secure this for up to 15 years. This security means that people can feel settled and start to build new lives.
We also know that many of the families we are supporting are likely to be displaced for some time. Many people displaced by violence say they do not plan to return home any time soon. Other people may need to settle near towns to find work, or receive aid. To support these families our work in Somalia has focused on creating durable shelters where they can live for some time. Shelters made from timber or brick can better withstand bad weather, and protect those that live there from harm. People are also being trained in how to maintain these shelters, and in land tenancy law.
Knowing that they can settle in a sturdy shelter for a long period allows people to feel at home.
Looking forward with hope
The people we have supported in Somalia have suffered the loss of their homes. But despite this when speaking to them, many still have hope for a better future. Here are some of their inspiring words.
“When individuals are tested in times of hardships, it is at these moments that they reveal their actual strength. Despite the fact that I am an old lady who has a great amount of life experience under her belt, the fact that I am now housed in this camp does not prevent me from dreaming for a brighter future. The fact that I have wrinkles on my face is proof that I am not scared to assist other people, that I am bold, and that I am working towards a better future for myself and others.”
Haawo
“Like many other women in this camp I became a mother at a very young age, and as a result, I was faced with lots of challenges and significant responsibilities to accomplish. When I look at the beautiful house that I have been given, I have a sense of faith in a better future and even a better hope for my child.”
Faay
“My unwavering courage is essentially what defines who I am as a person; it’s what defines me. It acts as a helpful reminder to me that even when life is difficult, I can still find consolation in my own unyielding determination and, sometimes, in the generosity of others. This is something I can take comfort in even when life gets difficult.”
Ali
“I am burdened by the heavy weight of memories from the past, dreams that haven’t come true, and a strong longing to return to the life I had before this one. On the other hand, whenever I am with my loved ones, I feel a spark of light inside me. It serves as a reminder to me that hope is something that can always be maintained, even in the most difficult of circumstances.”
Mohamed
“Discovering a new location to live at this old age seems like a breath of fresh air and a glimmer of optimism, despite the fact that life has presented us with many challenging circumstances. It provides me with the opportunity to start again, to start fresh, and to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Aatakey
“My children see me as an immovable rock that they can depend on, and they look to me to guide them through this life path that is fraught with unpredictability. When I look into their eyes, I am filled with the courage and determination to keep going, to be their safe haven even whilst everything around us seems to be in a state of chaos and difficulty.”
Dhaqan
“We demonstrate to the world the strength that may come from a family unit and how resilient we can be when faced with adversity. In spite of the fact that we lost our house, we came to understand the true meaning of family. Every time we go ahead, we not only bring our own challenges, but also a profound optimism that the future will deliver a better world for all of us. This is something we carry with us every day.”
Mohamed
