Updates from Mekelle, Tigray
4 April, 2021
In October 2020 swarms of locusts were destroying the crops awaiting harvesting in the Tigray region. The youth mobilized themselves to tackle this infestation with pots, pans or whatever noise that they could summon. In recognition of this, EYES presented the Volunteer organizer with a plaque and Mekelle Football Club autographed shirt. Congratulations. In addition, EYES with donations from an international school facilitated the distribution of new clothing and cash to needy families identified by Social Services.
Since early 2020 all schools, colleges and universities in the Tigray Region had generally been closed and inoperative due to the CoVid-19 pandemic.
In early November 2020 there was an administrative change in Tigray with a breakdown in basic infrastructure, services and security with movement restricted.
EYES employs three staff, including the Manager, whom we continue to pay. Currently EYES is maintaining index-linked cash payments to 14 scholarship students. Additionally the EYES Manager is making some discretionary subsistence payments to ex-students with families who, for a variety of reasons due to the civil situation, have been unable to continue in paid work. These ex-students often undertake voluntary work on behalf of EYES or other charitable organizations. Assistance is also being given to ex-students who are sheltering for safety in Sudanese Refugee Camps or imprisoned in other areas.
Currently all humanitarian work undertaken by EYES is done in collaboration and oversight with the appropriate interim civil administration departments, usually social services. Thousands of displaced families are sheltering in Mekele City, generally accommodated in the currently empty unused city schools. Red Cross are providing some food and water with medical support from MSF. With funds provided through A-CET, our partners EYES have been able to provide “extras” such as body/laundry soap, milk powder and diapers/nappies.
These are being distributed by EYES and its volunteers in a dignified, disciplined, organized and fair way – to desperate people – giving them hope and care. Currently, EYES have distributed this support to 800 families and a further 400 families will be served this week with the funds you are providing (this total aid value now over UK £9,000/ US $12,000). Thank you for your donations and help.
Note: Currently due to some communication problems, we are unable to provide photographs, but we are working to rectify this.
Reports from Mekelle, Tigray 4 April 2021