Personal stories
In 2013, conflict forced Amina to flee her hometown Walla to Gwoza leaving behind her home and belongings. Upon arrival in Gwoza, Amina and her family of seven sought refuge in a government secondary school, where they lived in a makeshift tarpaulin shelter. The conditions were harsh, with limited privacy and exposure to the elements.
For years, Amina struggled with uncertainty, worrying about her children’s well-being in such unsafe conditions. Finding food and clean water was a daily challenge, and the lack of proper sanitation heightened the risk of illness.
After the newly constructed homes were completed, Amina and her family were moved into one of them.
The stability provided by the shelter allowed Amina to focus on rebuilding her life, seeking income opportunities, and ensuring a better future for her family.
Musa has faced years of displacement since 2013, moving from one IDP camp to another across different states. In 2021, he finally returned to Gwoza, but his home was in ruins.
“Coming back was a mix of emotions,” Musa says. “I was happy to return but heartbroken to see what was left of my house.”
Musa and his family moved into a newly built mudbrick shelter with a sense of stability and belonging.
With a secure roof over their heads, Musa and his family could focus on rebuilding their lives. The stability of having a permanent shelter provided them with a sense of belonging and security, allowing Musa to seek work and his children to attend school without fear of displacement.
