12.12.11
16 Days of activism at Little Wlebo Camp commenced with a full day celebratory programme hosted by DRC. Over 500 refugees participated in the day and attendees included Government agencies, INGO’S, Local NGO’s, UN agencies, public figures and representatives from local host communities.
Little Wlebo Refugee camp was opened by DRC on the 27th April 2011 to support the growing number of refugees arriving in the Maryland county of Liberia, as the result of the violent post election conflict in Cote d’ Ivoire. The first group to arrive at Little Wlebo on the 3rd of May 2011, were a small group of families, from these few the camp grew quickly, with new influxes of refugees from transit camps, host communities and new arrivals from Cote d’Ivoire. The refugee camp at its largest point accommodated over 6000 refugees. Some of the refugees have decided to return home already, whilst many still remain in Little Wlebo Camp. At present the camp population is comprised of 4105 men, women, boys and girls.
DRC’s programmes in Little Wlebo refugee camp are founded on a rights and community based approach, encouraging the active involvement of the refugee community from the offset to develop the camp. For instance, refugees are supported to construct their own shelters, which promotes a sense of empowerment. Vulnerable groups are another key priority in all DRC’s programs in the camp where livelihoods activities support at-risk groups, such as single mothers among the refugees, by strengthening their self-reliance, which in turn decreases the risk of exploitation and abuse. DRC’s holistic approach integrates multiple sectors, inclusive of Camp management, Protection, Community Services, Construction, Distribution and Livelihoods. The entire DRC emergency team worked as one unit to produce a variety of activities for the 16 days of activism.
The international day for the elimination of Violence against women was launched with a parade of over 200 people around Little Wlebo, headed by a local Marching Band, Women from the Camp’s SGBV Community Taskforce, Women’s groups, and DRC Staff.
The indoor programme began with welcoming messages from DRC. This was followed by a sample of parade participants performing a selection of songs with inspirational messages. Dramas on domestic violence were performed by SGBV taskforce members, guided by the DRC protection team, to address this year’s theme “From Peace in the Home, to Peace in the World” in a relatable format that was both informative and entertaining.
The SGBV Taskforce was set up as a community based prevention and response mechanism to address protection needs in the refugee camp. Developed by the protection team, it has successfully increased the number of reported cases of SGBV as well as creating greater awareness of the women’s rights and accessibility to support available to survivors.
One of the dramas performed focused on female unity and support in the face of domestic violence, addressing the stigmatisation many women in the camp feel when trying to talk about this sensitive topic. These performances were received extremely positively by the refugee population. In addition, DRC have already received much praise from partner NGO’s and UN agencies on the performances and content. DRC will now be exploring the replication and development of this sensitising tool for future events.
Graduation of persons participating in Little Wlebo’s first Hairdressing skills based training was incorporated into the day’s event. The increased self reliance created by skills based trainings, decreases the risk of abuse and exploitation for young women. The 21 participants were presented with certificates by camp management, as well as “start up kits” in order to set them in good stead for future economic stability through sustainable income both within the camp and after later repatriation to Cote d’Ivoire.
The indoor programme was concluded with speeches from the nominated patron; The Ministry of Gender, DRC, UNHCR and LRRRC.
To balance the day, the more formal education component of the day was followed by a more celebratory outdoor programme. Light refreshments in the form of sandwiches and juice were distributed to over 500 people, whilst in different areas both contemporary African and traditional Ivorian music entertained the crowds. After lunch a mini football tournament ensued with a female match, a children’s match and the long awaited rematch between DRC staff and the première refugee team. The refugee team have been training hard and after a suspense-filled match the final score ended at 1-1, with the third “decider” match now greatly anticipated.
DRC also organised another full day programme at Little Wlebo to commemorate World AIDS Day on the 1st December in conjunction with local medical NGO MERCI. This day’s activities were organised with youth as the main target group. The Little Wlebo community services team worked with youth groups and the HIV/AIDS community support group since October, culminating in youth performing dramas, songs, and dance around this year's theme “Getting to Zero”, much to the enjoyment, entertainment and education for the entire camp population.
To conclude DRC’s acknowledgement of the 16 Days of Activism in Little Wlebo, a talent competition, and an educational “quiz show” was held for International Human Rights Day on the 10th December. “Little Wlebo a un incroyable talent” was advertised in preparation for the event, using posters and communication with community leaders. The only condition to enter was that the content of the performance must involve or be influenced with this year’s theme of 16 days: From Peace in the Home, to Peace in the World. The quiz show participants included a representative from each housing block in the camp and comprised of generalised questions relating to Human Rights, alongside more specific topics directly relating to Human Rights and issues faced by the Ivorian refugees in Little Wlebo. Prizes were awarded to the top 3 acts, and the competition followed through to an evening celebration in the form of a Disco.
Through this participatory and diverse combination of events, the DRC team at Little Wlebo hope to have provided education in the form of important messages, in combination creating engaging and interesting events that are culturally sensitive. All of the events planned for 16 Days were prepared in close collaboration with community groups at Little Wlebo.
