Approximately 10,000 people are displaced and are hosted in Kenya. Food was rated highest as the most priority issue amongst the children, pregnant and lactating mothers and elderly. Secondly, water shortage is also a key priority need. Security for persons with disabilities, older persons and women is not a guarantee. Health services are also key especially under-fives, elderly, pregnant and lactating women and people living with HIV. There is need for a safe space for mothers and children.
There are currently over 10,000 Ethiopia refugees living Moyale Kenya. The displaced persons mostly women and children have crossed over due to the ongoing emergency situation and the killing of 13 persons. Most of them living in makeshift tents, institutions and open space while others are accommodated in host families, friends and relatives. The displaced population have gathered in tents which could hardly accommodate them since they are overcrowded, minimal separation in form of gender.
What is urgently needed is food, shelter and clothing. But as days turn into weeks we all need to think about how best to give the children a chance to be kids again. Seeking donation of sports equipment's, soccer boots, balls, crayons, toys among others. HODI together with other partners will create a safe creative space for 200 most vulnerable mothers who are pregnant/lactating and 300 children! There is also the need to provide access to crucial information at the camp on health issues.
Our hope is the situation does not last long but like all refugee situations you never know how long they will be in the temporary tents being provided. In the long term the project will link the refugee community with the host community through football. It will create a safe space for dialogue and interactions while easing tension. The project will create a safe space for 200 mothers and 3000 children through play, packaged information and creative arts involving the kids and the mothers.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
