Good morning, dear friends, esteemed colleagues, partners, and cherished community members from both the refugee and host communities,
Introduction
1. It is truly a privilege to stand before you today as we come together for this important inspection and supervision exercise of this Regional Migration Fund project in the vibrant communities of Ali-addeh and Ali-sabieh.
2. This transformative initiative has made possible through a generous investment of 6.7 million euros from the Federal Republic of Germany via KfW. This generous endowment from the German government has been made doubly impactful by the invaluable support of the Government of Djibouti our host country and chair to whom IGAD remains deeply grateful. Their unwavering commitment to providing land and facilitating construction processes has been instrumental in our progress.
3. Today, we are not just here to inspect the implementation, review progress supervise success so far; we are here to celebrate the collective efforts that embody our commitment to enhancing the lives of those who call this region home.
4. The Regional Migration Fund is a child of our vision in IGAD to uplift the living conditions of the most vulnerable among us who are affected by migration, especially in areas that graciously host refugees. This initiative is about more than constructing buildings; it is about nurturing a sense of belonging, resilience, and opportunity for everyone involved.
Project Outcomes so far
5. I am very encouraged by what the remarkable progress that I have seen the 4 interventions that this project has made so far in transforming the lives of both refugees and host communities the 2 project sites.
Rehabilitation of the Lycée Technique in Ali-Sabieh:
• As IGAD, we cannot wait for the rehabilitation of this school to be completed because of its potential as a beacon of hope for our youth. IGAD will be delighted to welcome the expanded student body of 500 learners that includes the heartfelt commitment of the community in Ail Addeh to integrate 200 students from refugee backgrounds.
• By equipping our young people with essential skills tailored to local market demands and employment opportunities, particularly in transport and logistics, we are empowering our future entrepreneurs to seize existing opportunities and fashion a new future in this growing sector along the Djibouti-Ethiopia trade corridor.
Community Development Center (CDC) in Ali-Addeh:
• Communities are the custodians of culture and IGAD equally looks forward to the day very soon when this centre will serve as a vibrant hub for cultural gatherings, information sharing, and community meetings that will touch the lives of over 30,000 of us in this region.
• It will help us to talk to each other, tolerate each other and understand each other more as refugee and host communities by fostering social integration and providing vital information onemployment rights and public services to us all.
Market Centres:
• The two market centres planned for Ali-Sabieh and Ali-Addeh are going to be a vital trade hub that connects our very own local tradespeople to partners in external markets and this will be through our very own transport providers in this communities. These centres will not only facilitate trade but will also include training programs aimed at empowering our women and youth through entrepreneurship and helping them turn long-held dreams into reality.
Orientation Centre:
• Since it was completed 7 months ago in May of this year, this centre has already entered into service as a vital resource for young migrants arriving in Djibouti, offering guidance on their rights and available services. It is a welcoming and safe space where they can find support as they navigate their new environment.
6. The impact of these projects goes far beyond numbers and reaches into the actual lives and livelihoods of our brothers and sisters in Ali-Addeh, Ali-Sabieh and beyond. By the time we complete delivering on this project, IGAD estimates that 33,000 individuals will benefit directly from increased access to social services and economic opportunities.
7. Already, the construction phase of this project has created temporary employment opportunities for 85 skilled and 33 unskilled workers some of whom are refugees. These pioneers are literally laying the foundation for brighter and more prosperous future that will be built on the social and economic inter-dependence of refugees and host communities.
My Call to Action
8. As we move forward with these projects, I warmly invite all stakeholders and partners to continue fostering collaboration and support for these initiatives. We can come together and remain united to ensure that the fruits of these investments reach those who need them most.
9. I urge us all to remember that our work here is more than bricks and mortar and it even transcends infrastructure; it is about building bridges between communities, both refugees and hosts alike and creating an environment where everyone can strive and thrive together. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to this vital cause. I am genuinely excited to witness the progress we have made so far and even more enthusiastic to see the positive changes that these projects will bring to Ali-addeh and Ali-Sabieh.
Thank you very much!
Download the attached Speech in PDF below
ES OFFICIAL STATEMENT – RMF Project supervision and Inspection 09.12.2024
