Tale From Kuchingoro

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting the Kuchingoro IDP Camp in Abuja as part of an outreach program. This visit, which I had looked forward to for a long time, took place on the 28th of December.

While I have always been aware of the challenging living conditions in IDP camps, seeing them firsthand was an eye-opener. I was informed that the Kuchingoro camp is considered better than many others, yet the reality I observed highlighted the stark difficulties faced by the residents.

During the visit, I spoke with the young girls, emphasizing the importance of education and sharing my own story about growing up with limited access to education. I also conducted a session on menstrual health and hygiene, demonstrating the proper use of menstrual pads.

It was encouraging to see several projects initiated by private NGOs. A notable example is the Mandela Foundation’s ICT hub, equipped with computers and air conditioners. Other NGOs have also contributed commendable infrastructure to the camp. However, it was disheartening to learn that many of these resources are not actively utilized. For instance, the ICT hub remains largely unused by the residents.

One pressing issue that stood out was the pervasive hunger in the camp. The residents' immediate priority is food, reflecting the broader food insecurity crisis in Nigeria. With the rising cost of living, even those with stable jobs struggle to afford basic necessities, let alone individuals in displaced communities.

In a conversation with the camp's coordinator, I learned that the residents have been there for over a decade. Many are originally from Borno and Adamawa States, displaced by conflicts that persist to this day. She mentioned that several women have married within the camp and now have up to four children, underscoring the long-term nature of their displacement.

This visit reinforced my belief in the importance of sustainable empowerment initiatives. While infrastructure projects are valuable, they alone are not sufficient. The focus must shift towards economic empowerment through skill development and the provision of adequate tools to ensure sustainability. Equipping residents with practical skills and resources can enable them to become self-reliant, reducing the risk of falling into cycles of poverty, crime, or other social vices.

Addressing the challenges in IDP camps requires a holistic approach. Alongside humanitarian aid, we must prioritize skill empowerment and economic independence to foster lasting change and resilience among displaced population.