A Visit to Digaale IDP Camp: Stories of Strength and Opportunity
By We-Invest
As part of our commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, the We-Invest Microfinance team recently visited several Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps around Hargeisa. One of the most impactful visits was to Digaale IDP Camp, located in the southeast of the city.
About Digaale IDP Camp
Established in 2013, Digaale is home to over 1,500 households. The residents, many of whom were displaced by the devastating 2011 drought, have shown remarkable resilience in rebuilding their lives.
During our visit, Xasan Omer Digaale, the head of the camp, shared the camp’s progress and the daily challenges its residents continue to face. Despite hardship, Digaale has developed vital community services that are key to survival and growth.
Despite hardship, Digaale boasts essential community infrastructure such as:
Mother and Child Health (MCH) Clinic: A small but essential facility providing basic healthcare services.
Primary School: Giving children the opportunity to learn and dream of a better future.
Mini-markets: Local stalls and vendors supporting internal trade and livelihoods.
Police Station: Offering a sense of security and rule of law.
Water Access: Each household has access to water tanks and private latrines — a basic dignity that’s not guaranteed in all camps.
Community Center: A space for social interaction, coordination, and hope.
The Power of Women and the Need for Investment
One of the most striking observations from our visit was the strength and determination of the women and mothers living in Digaale. These women are the backbone of the community — managing households, raising children, and running small-scale businesses in the face of great adversity.
At We-Invest, we believe that empowering women financially is key to long-term recovery and growth. Access to small loans, business training, and savings programs can help these women become economically independent, lifting not only themselves but their families and the entire community.
We-Invest is exploring ways to partner with the residents of Digaale — especially women — through microloans, entrepreneurship support, and financial literacy programs. With the right investment, Digaale can be a model for how displaced communities can rebuild lives with dignity and purpose.
Though we witnessed many challenges, we also heard stories of hope and success. Women who started selling vegetables from their doorsteps, mothers who now send all their children to school, and youth volunteering at the community center. These are not just survivors — they are change-makers.
