Since 2013, the people of South Sudan have been suffering through bitter conflict. With no part of the country untouched by the crisis - either through conflict or food insecurity- millions have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety within the country and beyond its borders.
Over 350,000 South Sudanese refugees have made the harsh journey, often on foot, to the Gambella Region of Ethiopia.
“Fighting came to our village so, we walked day and night for one week to get here.”
Nyawech Kueth was surrounded by her four daughters and many grandchildren as she waited for the bus that would bring them to the camp.
“We are happy to be going to the camp. We can get help there.”
As Nyawech spoke, one of her grandchildren rubbed and itched their eyes, which had become red and watery; painfully irritated by dust. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common medical conditions among refugees at the border – one of the consequences of days of exposure to the elements without shelter.
“The men from our family are still there, trying to protect our land. I don’t know what will happen,”
Nyawech said before boarding the bus.
Although heartbreaking, Nyawech’s situation is not unusual among new arrivals from South Sudan in Gambella. 68% of refugees transported by IOM to camps in Gambella are under the age of 18, while 17% are women.
Searching for safety and shelter is usually done by women and children. Adult male family members often stay behind in the hope of protecting their property - they have to trust that their families will be safer elsewhere.
Having found some form of safety, securing shelter is one of the most important next steps for displaced people.
Shelter saves lives and provides much more than a roof over a displaced person’s head.
In Gambella, Ethiopia, it plays a vital role in connecting refugees to their new environment through a collaborative building process in which they are involved in the construction of where they will live.
Providing shelter to those forced to flee is also an opportunity to restore a displaced person’s dignity, for them to learn new skills, or to utilize existing skills for the good of their community.
David organizing payment for refugees for thatching of roof
"I was a student before the fighting started. I was studying History and Geography. I really enjoyed it."
David is from Malakal in South Sudan, which has been the scene of horrendous fighting. He now works as a shelter supervisor for IOM inside Jewi camp. He mobilizes camp residents to work on their own shelters, arranges training for fellow refugees and oversees people receiving their payment for the work they do on the shelters.
"My dream one day is to get a scholarship somewhere to continue my studies. I know in the past refugees got scholarships so I’m hoping one day I can too. That would really be the best thing for me.
For now, I’m making the most of opportunities inside the camp and working with IOM has been really good. We are a team and I like helping the community here build their houses.
You can see for yourself that when we arrange the payments for people, it is well organized."
Shelter is a community process, not a product.
In Jewi camp, constructing shelters is about providing a safe and dignified environment for refugees that connects them to their surroundings, including vital services. The building process offers opportunities for camp residents to earn some income and also have a say in what their living environment will look and feel like. Local construction techniques and materials are then used. Shelter construction often has a positive impact on the local market, providing further income generating opportunities for the host communities around Jewi.
A refugee holds a payment voucher for completing the final touches on his shelter
IOM established a workshop in Jewi camp in April 2016.
"Before work began on the shelters, IOM invited refugee community leaders to discuss how the process should move forward. This was a great opportunity to learn more about the needs of the refugees." said Miriam Mutalu, IOM Head of Sub-Office in Gambella.
"The refugee community leaders prepared a list of people, who are able to work treating bamboo and eucalyptus branches to use for the shelters. The people on the list were given training. Those with skills, such as carpentry, then train other refugees on preparing shelter materials," she added.
“I was a carpenter at home [in South Sudan] so, when I heard about the chance to make things here I knew I could do a good job,” said Toak sitting outside his shelter.
As he speaks, one of his daughters sleeps in the shade of the verandah he added to the entrance of his shelter. His craftsmanship is evident from looking around the area where he lives with his wife and children, like the handmade, intricately woven wood and grass chicken coup.
“I teach the others how to make their shelters, together with some [local community] carpenters from Gambella. I enjoy seeing people learn. It takes time as we start with the basics. I am looking forward to the new part of the work, which will be making furniture,” said Toak, while sitting in a handmade bamboo chair, a prototype for the ones he will make for camp residents in the coming months, along with beds.
Chairs made by Toak to be given to vulnerable refugees in Jewi
Toak is one of four carpenters from the refugee community employed by IOM. He has ten support workers under his guidance.
Despite everything being taken away from him, Toak has used his ingenuity to create things for himself and his neighbours. For refugees in Gambella, helping others create a safe place to live in is one of the greatest gifts that can be given.