In Mekelle's Sebacare IDP camp, the story of a young boy, Samuel, is a testament to resilience and transformation. Fleeing the war-torn region of Humera during the 2020–2022 Northern conflict, Samuel’s life was overshadowed by fear, loss, and the struggle for survival. His community had been devastated by violence, forcing his family to abandon their home in search of safety.

Upon arriving at the camp, Samuel faced a harsh reality. He was haunted by memories of violence and struggled to adapt to life in displacement. However, amidst this turmoil, hope began to take root through initiatives aimed at healing and empowerment.

One such initiative is the Men and Boys Engagement Activities, developed by Food for the Hungry Ethiopia (FH Ethiopia) with the support of the Response, Resilience, and Recovery for Conflict-affected Communities in Ethiopia project This initiative marks a significant shift in promoting healthy behaviors by challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Through interactive workshops and trauma-informed counseling, boys like Samuel are encouraged to express their emotions and envision a brighter future.

The Response-Recovery-Resilience for Conflict-Affected Communities in Ethiopia Project is a government-led effort to provide basic services and support for GBV survivors in the Tigray Region. The project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, with technical support from UNOPS and UNFPA, the global lead agency for GBV programming and coordination.

“At first, I was reluctant,” Samuel recalls. “But the facilitators listened without judgment, creating a space where I could express myself freely. I realized I wasn’t alone in my pain, and that healing was possible.”

In this safe space, Samuel found solidarity among his peers. They shared their stories of loss and trauma, discussed mutual respect, and explored healthy relationships and emotions. A pivotal moment came during a workshop on the cycle of violence, where a role-playing exercise helped Samuel understand the importance of empathy.

Week by week, Samuel transformed. "I began to vocalize my feelings instead of suppressing them and started supporting friends who were struggling," he says. Samuel soon became an advocate for peaceful conflict resolution, mediating disputes and promoting dialogue over aggression among the younger boys in the camp.

His newfound confidence and perspective earned him the admiration of his peers, making him a leader. Encouraged by facilitators, he began sharing his story at community meetings, highlighting how the program reshaped his life and outlook. His contributions to gender equality and mental health became integral to the camp’s culture, inspiring others to embrace the values of the Men and Boys Engagement Activities.

“I never thought I could change,” Samuel reflects. “But here, I found my voice. I learned that vulnerability doesn’t make you weak; it makes you strong. Together, we can break the cycle of violence.”

"The Men and Boys Engagement Activities didn't just help me heal," Samuel adds with conviction. "They empowered me to use my voice to inspire others. I'm not just a survivor—I'm a catalyst for change."

Samuel’s impact extended beyond individual change. He initiated workshops involving parents and guardians alongside his peers, creating dialogue about raising boys to express emotions and respect women. These efforts fostered community support and promoted healthy masculinity across the camp.

“This place, this program… it’s given me a second chance,” Samuel says. “And I’m going to make the most of it, not just for myself, but for everyone still searching for their way.”