Cash assistance and training rebuilding lives in Tigray

Above: Netsanet plays with her daughter in their makeshift accommodation after fleeing the violence in Western Tigray. Photo: Oxfam Ethiopia

Above: Netsanet stands outside her makeshift accommodation in an elementary school after fleeing the violence in Western Tigray. Photo: Oxfam Ethiopia

The corridors of Agazi Elementary School in Tigray are bustling with activity. On one side, children scurry down the corridors to their classrooms, and the air is filled with the hum of learning. On the other, makeshift tents and a scattering of belongings mark the presence of over 9000 people displaced by conflict in western Tigray, now seeking shelter at this school in the town of Adigrat.

Among the throng of displaced individuals is Netsanet Welayi, a 29-year-old mother who fled the harrowing conflict that ravaged Humera village back in 2020. "I had a fully equipped hair salon," Netsanet says, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "With my skills, I did very well in my business and even employed three workers to support me in my business."

But the conflict took away more than just their possessions. Netsanet and millions of others lost their homes, their lands, and their sense of security. The journey to safety in Adigrat was a harrowing one, stretching over 490 kilometers.

"We were arrested by armed men on the way for one month and one week, they held us," Netsanet recalls.

The long journey was fraught with danger.

“While on the road, we used to hide in the forest for our safety, we were hungry and had to look for food everywhere.” Netsanet says.

Arriving in Adigrat in 2020 marked the onset of the Tigray conflict in November, triggering significant food shortages and widespread starvation and deaths in Northern Ethiopia. Netsanet and her daughter were among the many displaced persons seeking shelter from the impacts of conflict and drought.

 “On the journey, children were dying, and pregnant mothers gave birth on the road,” Netsanet said. “I was pregnant, and because of the lack of food, I lost my child.”

Above: Netsanet prepares food while her daughter sweeps in their makeshift accommodation after fleeing the violence in Western Tigray. Photo: Oxfam Ethiopia

Relief through cash assistance

Oxfam, in partnership with the Relief Society of Tigray (REST) and with support from the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, provided cash and nutrition training to thousands of displaced people seeking safety in Adigrat.

Netsanet remembers the moment when she received the cash assistance and training.

“After Oxfam arrived, there was good improvement," she says. "We received a good amount of money, split into two payments of 9,200 birr ($US160) each which we used for urgent supplies."

She is one among 880 households that received support.

"In the first round, we shared the money among ourselves," Netsanet explains "Even though not everyone could get the cash because it was not sufficient for all, we shared food and what we had together.”

With the cash assistance and nutrition training, Netsanet was able to decide on what urgent supplies she wanted to purchase for her family.

"I bought my daughter shoes and clothes," Netsanet says, adding that the training from REST encouraged her to diversify the food she provided her daughter. "I fed her a balanced diet such as eggs, rice, and vegetables, just like they taught us."  

With access to sufficient resources, Netsanet was able to provide her daughter with nutritious food, clothing, and essential care. It also helped her think about the future.

Peering ahead with a glimmer of hope, Netsanet says: "The first thing is, I want to return to my hometown, I want to be self-sufficient and want to take my daughter to school, ensuring she learns and providing her with whatever she needs.”

Story by Liban Hailu