For many years, Sana Issa, a 47-year-old father, lived peacefully in Baraboulé, Soum Province, Burkina Faso, with his wife Hadjiratou, and their young daughter, Rabiatou. Life revolved around farming, community ties, and traditions. However, in 2018, everything changed.
Insecurity reigned in their region. In 2019, fearing for their lives, Sana and his family fled to Djibo, leaving behind their home, belongings, and sense of security.
Arriving in Djibo with nothing, the family found refuge with a host family before registering with the Djibo Humanitarian Action Service. Initial support came in the form of food, mats, and blankets. However, as displacement persisted and more people arrived, the humanitarian situation deteriorated.
Life in the IDP site was harsh. The overwhelming number of displaced families meant shelters were scarce. Without a proper place to sleep, Sana, his wife, and their daughter were vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, from the scorching sun to cold nights and strong winds. Worse still, the insecurity persisted, making it dangerous for humanitarian actors to assist.
Amid these challenges, AIRD stepped in to offer critical support. Recognizing the dire conditions in which Sana and his family lived, humanitarian action services included them on a list of those in urgent need. Through AIRD’s intervention, Sana and his family received a newly assembled shelter—finally offering them protection and privacy.
In addition to the shelter, they received a Non-Food Items (NFI) kit, which included cooking pots, mats, mosquito nets, a stove, and other essential household items. This assistance was more than just material support—it restored a sense of dignity and independence.
“With this support, we no longer have to go to our neighbors to borrow cooking pots or wonder where we will sleep at night,” Sana shares. “We feel safe as a family, and we now have a place we can call home, even in this difficult situation.”
The durable items provided by AIRD also mean that Sana and his family can plan for the future with more stability. “It’s up to us to maintain them well, and we are grateful for this assistance that has truly transformed our daily lives,” he adds.
Sana’s story is one of many in Burkina Faso, where thousands of displaced families struggle to rebuild their lives after being forced to flee their homes. Through its humanitarian interventions, AIRD continues to provide vital support to those in need, ensuring that families like Sana’s can regain a sense of normalcy despite the crisis.
For Sana, Hadjiratou, and little Rabiatou, the shelter and NFI kit from AIRD are more than just relief items—they represent hope, resilience, and a step towards rebuilding their lives.