Shelter Helping Family Survive

September 18, 2018

Eunice Abuto is 61 years old, currently living with her 4 grandchildren, ages 3, 5, 8, and 15 in Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Northwestern Uganda. Eunice is originally from Yei, South Sudan and arrived in Uganda on March 24, 2017. It took her two days to travel by foot with her grandchildren and group of others leaving the same time. She was only able to carry a few things, including 2 bed sheets, 2 saucepans, and 3 plates. Eunice decided she would bring her grandchildren in order to give them an opportunity to go to school. The children’s mother stayed in South Sudan with her husband, who sends Eunice money.

Eunice in front of her previous 

temporary shelter.

When Eunice arrived at the Reception Center, she was identified as a Person with Specific Needs (PSN) because she was elderly and the guardian of children. She was given a temporary shelter, built by CARE and funded by ECHO. This shelter is made of mud walls and covered in tarpline. These shelters are designed to last up to six months. After a severe storm, the shelter collapsed and neighbors helped her to rebuild it. Eunice says she was not safe, as this shelter had no doors or windows.

Eunice sitting inside her semi-permanent shelter

She had to stay home at all times due to the high possibility of theft if she left. Sometimes she did have to leave, especially to receive food rations or medical services. When this happened, she would take all of her possessions to her neighbor, who had a lockable door and was safe. Eunice also had a shallow latrine built at this time made of large, straight tree branches and tarpline. She said this works, however it is not safe as it is at the bottom of a small incline and rainwater can make the place muddy. Eunice fears someday the water will cause the latrine to collapse.

Later Eunice was given a semi-permanent shelter from CARE, made of brick walls, and supported with timber. The shelter also has two rooms, a door and four windows. It does not leak and Eunice feels safe. The shelter needs smearing with mud to increase stability and her grandchildren have been able to do this for her, successfully smearing both the inside and outside. Eunice is now able to leave her home without having to move her possessions or fearing thieves. She also has better ventilation from the windows, which are also lockable. Eunice also received a latrine built by OXFAM. This latrine is dug deeper than her previous one, allowing for longer use. It is also in a better location, lowering the risk of collapsing.

Eunice in front of her semi-permanent shelter

In addition to her shelter, Eunice paid her neighbors to build an outside kitchen with mud, allowing her to cook safely with out the risk of smoke ventilation. Eunice, along with neighboring PSNs, has received hygiene and shelter maintenance from 

CARE discussing the importance of smearing and regular cleaning of shelters in addition to latrine maintenance, cleanliness, and hand washing.

Eunice wants to thank CARE, OXFAM, and ECHO for supporting her. “I am still very excited to have this. Not many people have this. I am very grateful.”

Story Compiled and Written By: Brandi Murley, CARE Arua Office