During their time on the NRC board, all board members visit NRC operations. This month, Gisele Marchand, David Sanderson, and Lisa Cooper visited Gambella, starting their visit at the Pagak entry point on the border between Ethiopia and South Sudan. There they got to see first-hand where thousands of refugees have crossed the border into safety – and still does today. NRC's area manager in Gambella, Mr. Kenneth Oyki told the three board members the story of when thousands of refugees fled to Ethiopia and received by NRC and others, until they could be transferred to refugee camps. "The NRC team worked hard and non-stop, not only during weekdays, but also weekends," he said.
Board member David Sanderson talking with a refugee from south Sudan in Tierkidi camp, Gambella- Photo NRC/Emebet Abdissa.
57 000 south Sudanese refugees entered Ethiopia via the Pagak border crossing in 2014 and have most been transferred to Kule and Tierkidi refugee camps. A small number of refugees still cross into Ethiopia through the Pagak entry point.
Proud of NRC's work
The board headed next to the Kule and the Tierkidi refugee camps. In Tierkidi, NRC Ethiopia is operating through the provisions of shelter, WASH, education and livelihood projects, in addition to building critical infrastructure in the camps. The delegation visited the camps to witness what NRC has accomplished during 2014. The Gambella team was excited and proud to show what they have been doing to make the lives of refugees as good as possible.
Beneficiaries expressing their appreciation to NRC to Board member Gisele Marchand, Photo NRC/Emebet Abdissa.
"It is an honour to have board members visiting the refugee camp", NRC country director Mr. Amednur Abdi said and continued:
"It is also an opportunity for NRC Ethiopia to show how our team responded to the emergency and how we are representing NRC."
Board member Gisele Marchand told that she's proud of the work the NRC Ethiopia team has done in to improve the lives of refugees.
"It is good to hear that the refugees appreciate the work NRC has done, and that they feel included in the projects. That is a sign that shows us that NRC is doing a great job on the ground," Ms. Marchand said.
Yuach Samuel, Refugee representative in Kule camp Gambella- Photo NRC/Emebet Abdissa.
NRC gives people their dignity back
Yuach Samuel is a refugee representative in Kule refugee camp and has lived there since the start of 2014. He says NRC has been helping him since he arrived and still is assisting them through education, livelihood and WASH projects.
"NRC is the organisation that we contact when there is a shelter problem. Since the camp is mostly populated with women and children, good quality houses, providing protection and care, is very important to us," said Mr. Samuel.
NRC completed and handed over 2500 shelters to refugees in need in 2014. NRC involve the refugees themselves in all stages of the building of shelters. From testing different designs and getting feedback, to actual construction and maintenance. This leads to improved quality and also develops a sense of ownership.
Shelters (Tukuls) constructed by NRC in Kule camp, Gambella-Photo NRC/Emebet Abdissa.
Appreciated the visit
In Tierkidi refugee camp, the board members visited a temporary school that NRC has constructed. NRC prioritises education of refugee children from day one in emergency settings, using refugees as teachers, thereby contributing to building the future of the refugee children. The teachers received gifts from the Board members which will be used in the education of the children.
"Education together with other programs targeting youth empowerment, building role models, and entrepreneurship is important to ensure that the children will continue to have hope for the future.", said NRC board member, Lisa Cooper.
Upon their return to Norway, the board members will brief the rest of the board of their impressions and recommendations. These will include the impression that NRC is providing good quality emergency response through competent and dedicated staff, working hand in hand with the refugees to build dignity and hope.
Mrs. Gisele Marchand and Mrs. Lisa Cooper with kids in Tirekidi Camp, Gambella-Photo NRC/Emebet Abdissa.
Read more about the trip and the board members own thoughts: