March 22, 2021
Stories
In Iraq, the war with ISIL had been harsh on people. It forced them to leave their houses and everything else behind. After the clashes were over, many of them faced another challenge which was returning to their destroyed houses. One family of ten from Al Hamdaniyeh was in this exact situation, but they were able to rebuild their house thanks to the support of Caritas Czech Republic.
The family was content and satisfied with their living conditions and all what they had before the war, but the conflict pushed them to leave their home to seek safety. When ISIL invaded Al Hamdaniyeh, Hameed, the father and the sole breadwinner for the household, his wife, six children and his parents had to leave and seek a place, where they could protect their lives and dignity. After a while, they learnt that their home had burnt down. ‘We felt so desperate and hopeless,’ described Hameed. It was very dangerous to go back home. They could not return until the war was over, and it was at that time when they found out they had lost all the belongings, which they had left in Al Hamdaniyeh. They could not afford to rehabilitate their house and none of their relatives could help them as they were also affected by the war and displacement.
Thankfully, the family was able to receive support under a project “Improve Living Conditions and Enhance Resilience of Most Vulnerable Returnee Families through Shelter Rehabilitation in Al Hamdaniya district, Nineveh governorate”, which was implemented by Caritas Czech Republic in 2019. Since the project targeted the most vulnerable returnees, Hameed’s house was chosen to be rehabilitated and took four months in total, from August 2019 till November 2019.
‘It made me feel hopeful and happy again!’
‘CCR is the only organization, which offered to help us rehabilitate the house, this made me feel hopeful and happy!’ Hameed said. He believes that the people who are around them are happy for them and for having their house rehabilitated. The family is finally in a safe and stable place, where the grandparents do not have to move a lot and the children have their safe space to enjoy their childhood in. He adds ‘We are very happy and hopeful now. We feel more safe and secure!’
During the rehabilitation process, the father was included in the decision making process concerning the house. He made sure there were no major changes in the home, just very simple ones. This made him happier and more confident with what was being accomplished for the family.
Altogether, the project resulted in the reconstruction of 32 houses for the most vulnerable returnees in Al Hamdaniyeh. They were either provided with financial aid to reconstruct the houses by themselves or they hired local craftsmen to help them in the rehabilitation. The project was implemented in partnership with the Church Supreme Board for Reconstruction – Baghdeda and with support from the Czech Bishops’ Conference.
