Six Months in an IDP Settlement; A Mothers Tale

Saida Nor Dhicisow is among one of the 30,000 displaced living in Mogadishu’s Badbaado IDP Settlement. Like many around her she shares in the all too familiar tale of tragedy, loss and fortitude. 

This is what she has to tell us of her first 6 months in the settlement.

“I was pregnant when coming to Mogadishu. It was a terrible journey; I was so weak I could not help my children. My first day in the camp the labor started, there was no time even to build a shelter, the baby wouldn’t wait. I birthed my little boy that same night.

When HIJRA found me, I could barely remember my name. We had been in camp two weeks and I had no strength to build a shelter or get food. No one could help us. My children had to beg from neighbors just to get little water and foods. I know if my brother from HIJRA didn’t come, me and my family would not have survived.

Now I know when HIJRA comes to camp because my children start to sing and run. They know HIJRA saved us and they love them.

Now I do well. I can feed my family and sometimes give them treats but I miss my home. It is where I grew up and where I want my children to grow.  I am hopeful to go home soon.  I will save monies every month so when it is safe we can go and then we will be happy."

Since September Siada has been a beneficiary of the HIJRA OXFAM cash relief program in Mogadishu. The program currently supports 12,548 of the most vulnerable in 9 districts of Mogadishu; Hodan, Wadajir, Wabari, Hamar Jajab, Boondhere, Dharnkeley Abdiaziz, Shibis and Shangani.