A story of resilence and hope

A Mother’s Unwavering Love: A Story of Resilience and Hope in Wukro IDP Camp, Ethiopia 

In the heart of Wukro town, Tigray region, Ethiopia, within a crowded internally displaced peoples (IDP) called Kisanet camp, a mother, Weyni, and her six-year-old child, Sami displaced from Western Tigray four years ago wait for support. The father, a soldier, lost his life on the battlefield. 

They fled the horrors of war between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, leaving behind their home, their memories, and the life they once knew. 

Despite the hardship, the mother found solace in her son’s laughter. A year ago, he was like any other child in the camp running, playing, and full of life. But suddenly, without warning, everything changed. His legs could no longer support him. The boy who once roamed freely was now bound to his mother’s back. 

For an entire year, she carried him everywhere to the communal water point, to food distributions, and even within their small, makeshift shelter. She watched helplessly as other children ran to school while her son remained confined. 

Weyni sought medical help, but without an income or support, every door remained closed. Like many displaced women, she had no means to work. Every moment was dedicated to her son’s care, leaving her exhausted and hopeless. There was no one to turn to, no one to share the burden. 

One day, a ChildFund community mobilizer who visited the camp, identifying the most vulnerable for non-food item support. The IDP representative pointed to this mother who had carried not just her child but the weight of suffering for years. When asked what she needed most, she had only one request: a wheelchair for her son 

The JF- CPIE project provided exactly what she needed. As she placed her son in the wheelchair for the first time, tears streamed down her face. It wasn’t just about the chair, it was about dignity, relief from endless struggle, and hope. 

“For two years, I have suffered beyond words. Today, thanks to this project, my child and I found relief. I believe things will change for the better,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. The journey is far from over, but with this simple act of support, a mother and her child have found a new reason to hope for a brighter future. 

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