Ethiopia is one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting countries, with over a million refugees and asylum seekers. In addition, internal tensions have displaced almost 2 million people within the country. Finnish Refugee Council provides literacy and numeracy training for adults who have been forced to flee, strengthening the livelihood opportunities and independence of vulnerable individuals, especially people with disabilities.
While displacement affects the well-being of all IDPs, its consequences are typically far more severe for people with disabilities. National estimates suggest that around 17.6% of Ethiopia’s population has a disability (UN, ReliefWeb).
For those with disabilities, displacement often brings additional layers of hardship: physical, financial, and informational barriers make it more difficult to flee safely or access essential services. According to IDMC, 70% of displaced people with disabilities reported that their physical health had deteriorated since leaving home, compared with 43% among IDPs without disabilities (ReliefWeb).
From a familiar region to the challenges of an internal displaced persons camp
In the Oromia region, amidst the landscapes of Wollega in western Ethiopia, Yismaw Tegen’s life was stable and good: daily life revolved around farm work and moments with family and friends. However, everything changed, when tensions and violence reached Yismaw’s home area. Rebel attacks targeted civilians, homes, and communities.
“When the violence increased and our house was burned, we had no choice but to flee. It was an extremely painful experience. We were forced to leave behind everything we had worked for – our lands, our belongings,” Yismaw recalls of that moment.
Yismaw and his sister’s family walked a long distance on foot despite living with a disability, hungry and frightened. Eventually, the family was directed to Jara, an internal displaced persons (IDP) camp. Life in the camp was initially difficult and required adjustment, as the environment was unfamiliar, resources were limited, and the intense heat was challenging.
“Over time, I have adapted. Community spirit and mutual support have been our most important resources. Humanitarian organizations provide us with essential aid, which is vital for our survival. Still, the constant dependence on external assistance and the inability to support ourselves worries us greatly,” Yismaw reflects.
New skills make daily life easier
Upon arriving at the refugee camp, Yismaw wanted to strengthen his ability to manage daily life independently. When FRC launched Functional Adult Literacy (FAL) program in the camp, the camp committee invited Yismaw to join. Due to his physical disability, he was part of the program’s primary target group under inclusive selection criteria.
During six months, Yismaw learned to read, write, do basic calculations, and manage daily tasks more independently. His understanding of health-related information also improved, boosting his confidence in his abilities. The new skills quickly became evident in Yismaw’s everyday life:
“Before the training, I didn’t know how to use my phone, go to the bank alone, or calculate the cost of my shopping. Now I can do these things confidently. Being able to calculate prices and the remaining money makes me truly happy.”
As Yismaw’s foundational skills strengthened, his future dreams became clearer. He wants to start a small business and build a life where he can be self-reliant and support himself. He also dreams of starting a family and a daily life characterized by stability and opportunities for growth. Yismaw hopes similar opportunities will be available to other members of his community.
“I want to build my future myself and work hard for it. I hope that our community members also receive education and support that allow people to rebuild their lives.”
Literacy training strengthens inclusion
Yismaw’s story is an example of how the right support, learning opportunities, and personal perseverance can change the course of a person’s life. The goal of FRC’s literacy program is not only to teach skills but also to strengthen people’s own resources and enable them to shape their future independently.
“I greatly appreciate FRC’s inclusive selection criteria, which ensure that vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, have the opportunity to participate in life-changing training. FRC does not just provide aid – it gives the chance to learn and grow. It is an investment in our potential,” Yismaw summarizes.
Since 2019, FRC has supported displaced people in Ethiopia. During the years the adult education programs in Gambella and Wollo reached 13,185 participants, including 1,530 people with disabilities. In addition to literacy training, we provide humanitarian aid to those affected by conflict and internally displaced people, including multi-purpose cash assistance and programs to prevent gender-based violence.
Read more about our work in Ethiopia.
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