In the fractured hills of Tigray, resilience has become both a burden and a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people forced from their homes. As Ethiopia’s northernmost region, it remains the epicentre of internal displacement, where memories of conflict, the struggle to survive, and the pursuit of belonging intertwine.
At the heart of this uncertainty stands the Maidimu site for internally displaced persons, located 15 kilometres from Shire, a town in the northwestern part of the Tigray region. More than 10,000 people have found shelter here, each carrying a story of loss yet also a determination to begin again. At Maidimu and across Tigray, the EU’s partner International Organization for Migration (IOM) delivers life-saving assistance including shelter, food, health care, drinking water and other essential services.
The weight of survival
‘We didn’t come here by choice,’ says Fetaw. ‘We were displaced, and when we first arrived, life was very hard. Finding water was the hardest of all.’
Like thousands of others, Fetaw has sought refuge in the Maidimu site for displaced persons. She recalls long walks to distant, unsafe springs, often choosing to go without rather than risk the journey. In May 2024, clean water finally reached the site, bringing immediate relief.
A haven for renewal
For Arsema, who has lived at the Maidimu site for several months, daily life carries small but powerful moments of renewal.
In the early morning, she runs through golden fields, her laughter carried by the wind. Later, she steps into a safe space at the site designed for protection activities – a quiet haven where creativity hums and friendships grow. Here, she finds safety and belonging, discovering that even amid displacement, there are places where joy can be rebuilt.
The rhythm of resilience
Every clap sparks energy, every swing of the shoulders carries joy.
Afternoons bring Maidimu to life with music and movement. At the centre of it all moves Addis, part of the youth dance crew that fills the site with rhythm and resilience. Focused yet graceful, Addis moves with quiet strength as her friends clap behind her – a pulse of hope echoing through the grounds.
‘When I dance, I forget everything else,’ Addis says.
From dust to goals
Swift passes, loud cheers, a goal bounces up with delight.
‘I’m the best player here,’ grins Samson. Known for his quick footwork and fearless spirit, Samson is the heartbeat of Maidimu’s football field.
As the sun sets, boys gather to play, their laughter rising above the dust. For Samson, and for many, football is more than a pastime – it’s escape, pride, and connection.
Small rituals of joy
Even the simplest routines can bring comfort in Maidimu.
‘We wash our hair, paint our nails, and feel happy,’ says 15-year-old Heyriti.
Displaced just as her teenage years began, Heyriti has spent the past year at Maidimu. Within its uncertain walls, she has found ways to learn, create, and grow – discovering that even small rituals can anchor a sense of possibility.
