THE GIRLS WHO WERE DISPLACED TWICE
Four years ago, HAFAI started a mission to support girls who had found refuge in Durumi IDP Camp, a place where families displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency and natural disasters came seeking safety and shelter. These girls had been uprooted from their homes, fleeing unimaginable violence, destruction, and loss. Each of them carried a story—of survival, heartbreak, resilience and courage. Despite everything they had endured, their spirit remained unbroken, and their potential shone through.
When HAFAI first arrived, we saw that they needed more than just food and shelter. They needed a place to feel safe, to connect and to hope again. We created a small space—an open area with a small covering to shield them from the sun and rain. It wasn’t big, but it became a sanctuary. Here, the girls laughed, shared their stories, learned, and started to dream again. Through our programs, we provided them with psychosocial and emotional support, helped them rebuild their confidence, self-esteem and gave them a sense of belonging. For the first time in a long while, many of them felt seen and heard.
Today, this caravan is not just a building; it is a safe haven, a safe space, where the girls come to learn, play, and grow. Here, we continue to support them emotionally and psychologically, helping them find their voices and build their confidence and self-esteem. The safe space represents hope, resilience, and a belief in their future. It is a place where they know they are valued and protected.
We could not have done this without the generosity and support of our donors, partners, and community members. And we could not have done it without the incredible strength of the girls themselves, who inspire us every single day.
This journey has taught us that when we stand together, amazing things can happen. We are not just building shelters; we are building bright futures. And we won’t stop until every girl, no matter where she comes from, has the chance to thrive.
As we reflect on how far we have come, we know this is just the beginning. These girls have so much potential, and we are committed to helping them unlock it. Our next big step is to equip them in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and other soft skills—tools that will open up opportunities and empower them to dream bigger. They deserve every chance to create a brighter future for themselves.
As an organization, we cannot achieve this alone and we seek for collaboration and partnership from well-meaning partners who believe in this vision of supporting young people and helping them reach their full potential.
