Surviving the conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia
Shewit's story
When violence broke in her village in Tigray, Ethiopia, Shewit ran with her four children. Read her story of survival.
Fleeing Boko Haram
Falmata's story
Under the cover of darkness, Falmata gathered together her five children and fled, leaving everything behind.
Earlier that day, the military had arrived in her village in Nigeria and evacuated all the residents. Boko Haram were coming, and they weren’t safe.
A difficult decision
Falmata and her family had spent the day working on her family’s farmland and missed the evacuation. When they returned to their village, it was completely empty.
Feeling afraid and vulnerable, Falmata and her husband made the difficult decision to leave.
Our children were surprised, they were asking why we had to leave our home – but I explained it was for our safety.
The following night they arrived in a camp in the east of Nigeria.
They were exhausted from the journey, but delighted to be reunited with some of their family members and neighbours.
Sheltered once again
The camp brought peace of mind and safety – but the conditions were cramped and there was little privacy for the family of seven.
Living in a school building with so many other families can be treacherous, and sure enough, an accidental fire destroyed it at the beginning of March 2018.
After the fire, the family were given a shelter kit.
The family used the timber, rope, nails and tarpaulins, to build their own private shelter and feel safe again.
Hope for the future
Now Falmata and her husband have a safe and private space to raise their family in.
We especially appreciate the tarpaulins which help to protect us from the sun during the day, and make our shelter stronger, we have put it over the roof.
Falmata told us that they used some of the wood to make a small extension outside, which provides shade in the heat of the day.
‘It is very good for the children as before they had no space to play inside, and they were staying under the sun too much.’
Falmata still has hope that one day they will move to a safe place and build a more permanent home, but in the meantime their shelter has restored a sense of normality, allowing them to live as a family again.
With your support, we can continue to provide relief from conflict and disaster for families like Falmata’s.
Read more stories of shelter
Warmth in the harsh Syrian winter
Hamda's story
Hamda is just one of the millions of people pushed from their homes in Syria. Read her story here.
Recovering after Typhoon Vongfong
Nelcie's story
Read how Nelcie ‘s life was turned upside down after the typhoon ripped her house apart, and how the family used their ShelterBox aid to return home.
A new life in Cameroon
Fatima's story
Read how Fatima fled her village in Nigeria with her two children to finally re-settle in Cameroon.
Recovering after the earthquake in Nepal
Surya's story
When the devastating earthquake hit Nepal, Surya was almost buried alive. Read her amazing story of survival and recovery.
Relief from the storm in Fiji
Baby Yokimi was just three months old when Cyclone Winston hit.