There are some things in life that give meaning and perspective. In February 2015, my first trip to Africa, I travelled as a Member of Board of Directors for the Norwegian Refugee Council to Ethiopia. Our first stop was first to Pagak, where we gazed at the border to South Sudan and the point where tens of thousands Sudanese have walked to Ethiopia for safety and shelter. Seeing that entry point and the reception tents helped me understand the incredible journey many refugees have travelled. Fleeing from conflict, walking for miles and days seeking comfort.
Our next stop was to see the camps at Terkidi and Kulle located in the Gambella region. Both camps were established within just one year and I was amazed by the number of shelters, tents and sanitation facilities that covered the landscape. It was here I experienced the results of the expertise of the NRC staff, their dedication and passion for fulfilling basic needs of the refugees through the Shelter, WASH, Food Security and Education programs in place.
During the trip, there was one fact that stuck out for me; the large majority of those seeking refuge in Ethiopia are women and children. Given that the refugees may face 10-20 years at the refugee camps, education is of utmost importance. This puts the global NRC goal of educating 1 million children by 2017 into perspective – it is an imperative that we provide access to education, a human right for children who lives are affected by war, conflict, displacement. Education together with other programs targeting youth empowerment, building role models, and entrepreneurship will ensure that the children will continue to have hope for the future.
Given the highly competent and dedicated staff throughout the region, and based on the quality of work I experienced in NRC in Ethiopia, I am certain that NRC will reach their goal of educating 1 million children by 2017.