Soon, groups of elders carefully picked to broadly represent Somalia's diverse and divisive clan system were partnering with CARE to make major decisions about food, shelter, security and other camp issues. Refugees were made to see that the food they received was their responsibility. If it was lost or stolen it would be their loss as well. The message got through. Now there's no need.
People cooperate because they have a stake in the process.
Relief groups also began to draw upon the natural entrepreneurial talent of the refugees themselves. For example, instead of hiring outside electricians to come to the camps for minor repairs, CARE began drawing upon electricians among the Somali refugee population. Likewise, the baskets and wood products created by CARE's small enterprise groups are being shipped to distribution points in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, in hopes of fostering markets that Somalis can supply even after they leave the camps. All our activities are geared to help refugees take responsibility for themselves. So that they can be self-reliant when they go back home.