Norwegian Refugee Council
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Through trainings refugees in Dollo Ado in Ethiopia have learned the necessary skills to help construct transitional shelters in the refugee camps.
Refugees have been actively involved in the
construction of transition shelters in Kobe and Hiloweyn camps in Dollo
Ado, funded by the 2010 Norwegian Broadcasting Cooperation telethon.
After trainings, the refugees have used the new skills to meet the basic
shelter protection needs of the refugee community and to generate
income.
The 27 years old Somali refugee, Abdishire, is
living in Kobe camp. He escaped from the famine stricken Bay region of
Somalia and was one of the first carpenters participating in
transitional shelter construction training organized by NRC. This has
enabled him to lead shelter construction activities in his community and
to generate income.
“Not only have I employed the skills and
opportunities acquired from NRC’s skills training, but I have also
expanded my competences and improved the capacities of community members
through training them in carpentry and joinery”, Abdishire said.
Remarkably so, Abdishire took the initiative of training youngsters from
his community who in turn helped him teach others.
Mustaf, the Shelter Project Assistant in Kobe
refugee camp, says, “Abdishire is one of the most reliable team leaders
in carpentry in the camps. He leads by example and has gained great
respect among the refugee community”.
A future in Somalia
“I do not have words to express my gratitude and
thanks to NRC for transforming my life through the carpentry and joinery
training and engaging me in the shelter construction activities. I was a
desperate refugee with limited skills and very little livelihoods
options. Today, having participated in shelter construction activities
and community leadership, I earn an income, and I have obtained a high
social standing in the refugee community”, says Abdishire.
Speaking passionately, Abdishre exhibits high
confidence as he shares his long-term vision of returning to Somalia and
founding a private carpentry workshop. “This is a valuable project that
provided assistance to vulnerable people and that contributed to
helping them build their own future. As I have been supported to
maximize on my strengths, I will share my skills and experience to
others back home, along with making a living”
Near the end of 2012, NRC had trained and formed
over 120 construction team leaders, mostly from the refugee community.
Each team has four members, and is provided with contracts for the
construction of transitional shelters in Kobe and Hiloweyn camps.