In the Gambella region of Ethiopia, South Sudanese refugees face numerous challenges, from inadequate living conditions to limited access to essential services.
In response to these urgent needs, HelpAge, in partnership with Plan International USA and the Rehabilitation and Development Organization (RaDO), has been implementing a comprehensive project to provide lifesaving protection and education services to both refugees and their host communities. This work has been possible with a grant from the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM).
Project Overview
Launched on Sept. 29, 2022, and concluding on Sept. 20, 2024, the project aimed to improve the living conditions and protection of the most-at-risk refugees living in the Nguenyyiel and Kule camps of the Gambella region in Ethiopia—supporting older people and individuals with disabilities through continuous home-based care services, training, aid, community mobilization, and advocacy in constant collaboration and consultation with Older Person’s Associations (OPAs). The project placed a special focus on older adults and people with disabilities, ensuring their unique needs are prioritized and included in the humanitarian response agenda.
How Are We Making a Difference?
Over the past two years, this initiative has positively impacted 20,553 individuals—including 8,251 men and 12,302 women. Among these, 2,085 are people with disabilities.
Here are some of the key ways the project has made a difference:
- Monitoring Safety Concerns: HelpAge conducted safety assessments to identify the specific challenges faced by older people and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to provide better support.
- Home-Based Care: For 631 older people unable to leave their homes, trained volunteers provided essential services like health check-ups and emotional support.
- Essential Supplies: The project distributed important non-food items (like mattresses, blankets, and hygiene kits) to 4,850 people, helping to improve their daily lives.
- Transportation Help: The project provided transportation services for 821 homebound individuals, ensuring they could access food and other essentials, even when security issues made it difficult.
- Community Awareness: Through sessions led by OPAs, 5,240 individuals learned about safety and protection, helping to reduce incidents of violence in the camps.
- Health and Rehabilitation Services: A standout feature of the project was an eye care campaign that reached 3,840 older people, providing surgeries and eyeglasses to restore their vision. Additionally, the project included rehabilitation services focused on improving mobility for 357 individuals with disabilities, enhancing their quality of life.
Empowering the Community
The project went beyond immediate support by empowering community members on the ground and enabling older people themselves to create lasting change. We provided leadership training for women, boosting their confidence to take on active decision-making roles. At the same time, men received training on reducing gender-based violence (GBV), fostering a culture of respect and equality.
GBV is a significant issue in refugee communities, disproportionately impacting older people. Recognizing this, we actively involved older people in training and advocacy efforts, ensuring that their experiences shaped our strategies. We trained 240 male champions, including older men, to challenge harmful attitudes and promote gender equality, and conducted advocacy sessions led by OPAs.
The active participation of older people is a fundamental aspect of our work, reinforcing the vital role they play when it comes to building their communities.
Together, We're Making an Impact
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of HelpAge USA and Plan International USA, we are making significant strides in improving the lives of South Sudanese refugees and host communities in the Gambella region of Ethiopia. By working in partnership with older people and actively listening to their needs, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future.
