Orphans struggle for survival
Six siblings were left alone when their parents were killed by unknown gunmen. All are minors who were continuing education before the attack. Three are junior while the other two are elders of Magartu. Before they left their place of origin due to the attack, they were learning from grade three (3) to grade five (5). Magartu Addunna was fourth (4th) grade student. At the time of the interview Magartu Addunna was working as a shoe shiner while her two elders do day labor.
Magartu Addunna and her sisters and brothers were born in Jabo-dobban locality of Amuru District in Horro Guduru Wallagga Zone. She recalls that her father was killed while taking a patient to the health service and her mother killed in her attempt to trace the whereabouts of her husband. This was the information they got from the people. The children didn’t get the chance to bury their parents.
Magartu Addunna, a smaller girl among the six siblings, who somehow acts as a responsible one told the story behind their displacement. She said there was violence in her locality which forced them flee the area for safety. At the time of the violence they couldn’t even pick their clothing, she said.
Before death and displacement, the family were better off. They earned a living engaged in agriculture and tending the livestock. They were able to support the destitute. Magartu says they left all the resources behind at the time of the attack. The attackers burned down their house; took the livestock. The children left the area dispersed just to save their lives. The children never had the chance to see their parents again.
At the time of the interview, after four years of displacement, the children started schooling again. They buy school materials like notebook, school uniform, food and little other things using what they get from day labor and shoe shining. But Magartu spoke that the little income they got was not sufficient to fully cover their expenses. Nobody knows how much the orphaned children would be resilient to manage their lives on their own would be seen in the time to come.
The major issue is effect of violence on the lives of the community, particularly, the effect on children is extremely damaging. This has been acknowledged for generations. The above story is an example that testifies damaging effect of lack of peace on children. Orphaned children who ought to get after-shock trauma treatment are left alone. They don’t have any idea about whether they could stand the challenges ahead. The little income they get may not be sustainable on top of its being insufficient for their growth and development. Besides, they don’t have mechanism to air their voice reach helping hands.