7/30/2019 Short story for CERF UF submission- Ajeba.pdf

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Umkulu Camp, Eritrea February 22, 2013 (UNHCR)

Ajeba Adbi Hassen is a 60 year old Somali who fled her hometown

of Luuq with her husband and five children in 1996. With nothing

more than a few bags of clothing, the family escaped the war and

escalating violence in the southern Gedo province of Somalia andmade their way to the Umkulu Camp in Eritrea, where they arrived

after a long journey, as refugees. I was scared and fled. She said

as they arrived, adding, We have been traveling for 10 long days,

and on the tenth day we finally arrived in Eritrea.

We met Ajeba on February 22, 2013, in Umkulu Camp where she

and her family have settled. She told us of her daily life in the camp,

which is located near the port city of Massawa in the Northern Red

Sea Region, and described her familys appreciation for the camp

and its services.

This camp has now been home for Ajeba and her family for the past17 years. Currently Ajeba and her family are in the resettlementprocess to a third country, which is one of the durable solutionsUNHCR pursues for refugee in Eritrea.

UNHCR, with the collaboration of the Government Implementing Partner (ORA), provide Ajeba and all other refugeeswith the basic necessities and essential services such as food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, and legalservices.

These services engender a genuine appreciation from all the refugees in the camp, who benefit from them and findcomfort and security in the constant availability of all basic necessities, thanks for CERF funding. Basic food hasbeen provided to Ajebas family every month, and she has an adequate supply of water 20 liters daily for eachfamily member. This water is used for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene and is only 100 meters away from herhouse, which makes fetching water an easier task. Life is good in the camp, says Ajeba. There is always wateravailable and there is no scarcity of food.

Four of Ajebas children have gotten married in Umkulu Camp, and now there is a second generation of her familygrowing up here. The expansion of her family has made her immensely happy; however, she has dreams of movingher now-larger family beyond the borders of the camp. Ajeba explained that she cares for her son and elderlyhusband, which are the only two who still live with her. Looking into the distance, she added I am thankful to be safewith all the things UNHCR has provided to me.

UNHCR Office in Eritrea

Campo Polo Area, Meteten St. 1A754

House no. 35, P.O.Box 1995,

Asmara, Eritrea

Ajeba 60 years old Somali and her husband

Ajeba, Somali refugee, feels at home

after being in Umkulu Refugee

Camp, Eritrea, for 17 years