The ongoing armed conflict in Borno State, driven by the insurgency of non-state armed groups in Northeast Nigeria, has significantly worsened living conditions for local communities. Many of them, mainly farmers, struggle to make ends meet as they are unable to access their farmlands.

With humanitarian funding of the European Union (EU), JRS is providing education and livelihood assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and community members in Dikwa and Mongonu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State.

By creating livelihood opportunities, the EU-funded project helps participants achieve self-reliance, enabling them to stand on their own two feet. The income generated from their work enables them to support their families and meet their children’s educational needs.

Here, we share the stories of three women—Bawagana, Tamar, and Fatima—who, after overcoming numerous challenges, are now rebuilding their lives.

Bawagana, small shop owner, Dikwa community member

“I have five children, and it was very difficult to take care of them. I couldn’t afford to send them to school or buy them the necessary materials for their education.”

With support from the project, Bawagana received training and a start-up kit to open her own small shop at home.

“The shop items I received allowed me to start a small business. Now I can take care of my children. They can go to school, with the proper equipments.”

Today, Bawagana’s small business is growing, with an expanded range of items beyond those she initially received. “This support has transformed our lives.”

Tamar, chin-chin business owner, Dikwa community member

“Life has not been easy for us since the insurgency. As a mother of nine providing for my children’s basic needs was a daily struggle.”

Tamar expressed a keen interest in starting a business producing the local snack, chin-chin. The project provided her with training and a starter kit to launch her business. Currently, Tamar prepares the chin-chin in her kitchen and takes them to the market to sell. She now earns an income that enables her to provide food and clothing for her nine children.

“This opportunity has been life-changing. I can now support my children, providing them with food, clothing, and the chance to attend school. This project has restored hope and dignity.”

Fatima, seamstress, IDP living in the Dikwa community

“I have seven children. I struggled to find food and provide for their education. The support I received from the project allowed me to start a tailoring business. Now, with the money I earn from sewing clothes, I can take care of my children and their education.”

Fatima, originally from the Maje community, was forced to flee due to the ongoing conflict and currently lives in Dikwa. Through her participation in the project, she has learned tailoring and now makes clothes as an income-generating activity. She creates clothes for her family and the whole community.