Ethiopia
Location
Addis Ababa
Organization
Shama Institute
Partner Lead
Faduma Abukar
Where is beauty here?
Fifty-three refugees from eight countries — Yemen, Somalia, DRC, South Sudan, Sudan, Burundi, Iraq, and Eritrea — came together in workshops translated into Amharic, Somali, Arabic, and Kirundi, plus a visit to the home studio of Dr. Shanqal, a displaced Sudanese artist who turned his rented room into a gallery.
For many, it was the first time anyone had asked them about beauty. One message repeated: in a vast, fast city, a safe place to gather is itself the most beautiful thing.
Beauty lies in our togetherness, in sharing coffee, checking on one another, and the care we show. It is in these simple, joyful moments that I truly see beauty, not in the things we have, but in the moments we share.
— Tesfamariam Gebreweld, community representative“Beauty is the foundation of existence.”
— community member
"I see beauty in the pureness of children — the way they laugh and the specific joy in their smiles when they are playing with a simple doll."
— Etshumbamiriam Dendhy, DRC, a mother
What they’re building
Here, participants talked about how no space in the city truly felt like their own, but they saw such beauty in being able to gather at the Shama Institute.
As a result, they are transforming Shama's own space into a cultural and creative hub run by refugees, with repainting, lighting, a Wall of Belonging, a multilingual inspiration wall, cultural displays, and a gathering corner, followed by weekly creative workshops and a public launch.
About
Shama Institute
Shama Institute is a refugee-led organization based in Addis Ababa, working to bridge divides between refugees and host communities through culture.
Founded on the belief that shared traditions can foster connection, Shama creates spaces for art, music, food, and storytelling. In a fast-moving urban environment, the organization helps people rediscover belonging, transforming cultural expression into a powerful tool for connection, understanding, and community-building.
“Culture is the most natural bridge between people. When we share food, music, and stories, we move beyond difference and begin to build real connection, familiarity, and belonging.”
—Faduma Abukar