Shamis Shire, a resilient mother of seven. Raised in the verdant landscapes of Galaadi in eastern Ethiopia, her life transformed dramatically when the relentless grip of drought descended upon her homeland. As a pastoralist farmer, her identity was tied to her livestock.However, the merciless drought led to the loss of her animals, shattering her way of life and forcing her into displacement.
Shamis was once a proud owner of a thriving herd of goats and camels that grazed freely in the lush pastures of her homeland. As a pastoralist, her life revolved around the rhythms of nature. Each dawn brought the promise of fresh milk, and many source of meat. But as climate change wreaked havoc on her world, the rains became sporadic and the rivers dried up. The land that once provided sustenance for her animals and family became barren.
The loss of her livestock was not just the loss of animals; it was a profound blow to her identity and an end to her self-sufficiency. Without her livestock, Shamis found herself unable to provide for her children ( three boys and four girls ) who depended on her for everything. The grieving mother realized that the only option left was to leave her home in search of resources to support her family.
Shamis embarked on a treacherous journey to Dan Wadaag IDP Camp, hoping to find refuge and assistance. With her children in tow, she walked through arid deserts, navigating the harsh landscape that would test her resilience and will. Every step felt heavier as her worries for her children’s future compounded with hunger pangs in their stomachs.
Upon arriving at the camp, Shamis was confronted with the stark reality of displacement; thousands of families shared the same plight. Life in the IDP camp was challenging. The scarcity of resources led to fierce competition among families, and many were left to fend for themselves without adequate food and water. However, for Shamis, the warmth of community and empathy buoyed her spirits.
Few days after her arrival at the IDP Camp Shamis learned about the Action to Stem Hunger in Drought-Ravaged Somalia (ASHID-2) Project , an emergency project implemented by ADRA Somalia aimed at providing support to families facing the dire consequences of drought and food insecurity. The implementation of the program brought vital relief to the camp, addressing the immediate needs of families like Shamis.
Through the ASHID-2 Project, Shamis received unconditional cash transfer assistance of $80 for 8 month now out of the planned 10 month. This support allowed her to purchase food staples and clean water for her children, which their well being depended upon. The funds revitalized her hope and made her feel better after a long duration of drought and famine.
“When the drought destroyed my livestock, I felt lost. I had always worked hard to provide for my children, but everything changed when our livestock died of hunger and drought , and we had to leave our home. Our journey to Dan Wadaag IDP Camp was filled with fear and uncertainty. When I heard about the ASHID-2 Project, I felt a glimmer of hope. I received $80 every month, which allowed us to buy food and clean water. For the first time in a long while, I could see my children smile again.” narrated an emotional Shamis
With these resources, she began to rewind her life back together. The $80 was a blessing, enabling her to buy grains, dried beans, and cooking oil. For the first time in months, Shamis was able to prepare meals for her children without the sting of guilt gnawing at her heart. She felt empowered with the responsibility of nourishing her family, creating a sense of normalcy amid chaos.
Shamis embodies the resilience and strength of countless women around the globe surviving amidst extreme hardship. Through the invaluable cash assistance of the ASHID-2 Project, she transformed her life from despair to hope, from anguish to empowerment. She stands as a beacon of hope for her children inspiring others to find strength in shared stories and hurdles
