07-01-2025 | di COOPI

Rebuilding lives: Emergency Shelter Repair Kits trasform communities in Ethiopia

In Sedal Woreda, Kamashi Zone, Ethiopia, more than 26,000 people were forced to flee their homes due to conflict four years ago. Many families returned to find their shelters damaged or completely destroyed. The lack of adequate housing posed significant risks to their safety and well-being, especially with the onset of the rainy season.

Through the project “Integrated Multi-Sector Assistance to Support Return Process in Sedal Woreda, Kamashi Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region,” funded by Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund (UN-OCHA), COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale has transformed the living conditions of affected households. Emergency Shelter Repair Kits (ESRKs) were distributed to 1,100 households, benefiting 5,853 individuals, by providing essential materials for shelter repair to internally displaced returnees.

Derartu, a mother of four, shared how her life changed after receiving the Emergency Shelter Repair Kit (ESRK).

 

Our house roof was in ruins when we returned home. The roof over our heads had been partially damaged, and we were concerned about the approaching rains. The shelter repair kit saved my family from bad weather and changed everything for us.”

 

The ESRKs included iron sheets, nails, door locks, and cash support to procure local materials, labor, and tools.

Thanks to the kit, Derartu was able to repair her roof and reinforce the walls of her shelter.
 

 I worked alongside my neighbors, and together we helped each other to rebuild. It brought us closer as a community,”

she recalled.

 

This assistance has empowered families, like Derartu’s, to restore their homes quickly and effectively after returning home. Its success underscores the critical importance of providing immediate support to those affected by conflict and displacement.

Stories like Derartu's highlight the positive transformation that occurs when people are given the tools and support they need to reconstruct their lives. With continued support and community participation, families in Sedal Woreda can look forward to a brighter future.

COOPI has been active in Ethiopia since 1995, providing humanitarian and development assistance with a multi-sectoral and integrated approach. The organization focuses on supporting vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing conflict or natural disasters, helping them rebuild their lives and communities.