My name is Jasmine1, I am a mother of four living in Addis Ababa. I have lived in Ethiopia for sixteen years now.
I came to Ethiopia by bus, the journey took over seven days, and we came to escape the war in East Africa. The journey to Ethiopia was challenging, with limited food and water. We came to find peace.
We arrived in one of Ethiopia’s refugee camps. Sadly, I have chronic health problems and the camp did not have adequate medical equipment to assess or treat my condition. We also faced many other challenges. We did not have enough food to eat and the education for my children was difficult, as often it was taught in a different language to their own. When we lived in the camps, I was unable to work, as I was very unwell. Back in my home country I worked in a market where I had a small business to support my children, selling vegetables. It’s been very hard to get a job here, as a refugee we haven’t been able to get work permits.
When my family was living in the refugee camp, we were referred to The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Development and Inter-Church Aid Commission (EOC-DICAC), and we started to receive assistance. EOC-DICAC has supported me with food assistance, medical treatment, counselling, and vocational training. EOC-DICAC continues to help support me as I continue medical treatment for my condition. EOC-DICAC are like family to me, supporting me in many aspects of my life over the past 14 years.
Currently I am enrolled in EOC-DICAC’s vocational training program, and I attend sewing classes five days a week. This has been such a good opportunity to learn a new skill and meet other people. I pray to God to help me to get a good life for my children. I hope to work again so I can have my own income and I can live in peace to continue supporting my family. Thanks to your support, I can continue learning sewing skills and I know I have the support of EOC-DICAC through my medical treatment.
Thank you,
Jasmine
1Jasmine’s name has been changed for safety reasons.
Download this Peace Mail in PDF here.
Ethiopia hosts over 800,000 refugees, most originating from the war-ravaged countries of Congo, Somalia, Eritrea, and South Sudan. Some of the most vulnerable are survivors of sexual or gender-based violence, people living with disability, and those with serious or chronic illness.
Act for Peace’s partner on the ground, The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Development and Inter-Church Aid Commission (EOC-DICAC), is supporting these refugees to overcome the challenges and trauma they have faced and take control of their lives. 
EOC-DICAC provides emergency medical assistance, including emergency transport to Addis Ababa, financial support for medical expenses, transport to and from medical appointments, temporary accommodation, supplementary food and access to specialised medical treatment for serious cases. Survivors of sexual gender-based violence can access psychosocial support, as well as HIV/AIDS testing, and financial support for treatment, if needed.  
EOC-DICAC also provides refugees with vocational training, helping to build their confidence and social networks, develop livelihood skills and ultimately improve their potential income, through courses such as tailoring, hairdressing, and food preparation. 
Your Support is making a difference!
In January, 970 Act for Peace Partners like you came together and raised $44,102 to help provide preventative and curative healthcare services to rural families in Pakistan, as well as support for people affected by conflict and disaster around the world. Thank you!
Act for Peace gratefully acknowledges the support of
the Australian Government through the Australian
NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
Please pray:
- For Jasmine, to continue to learn new skills and for her health.
- For the EOC-DICAC to continue their work with refugees that are most at risk.
- For the staff at EOC-DICAC as they continue to share their knowledge and support.
