Latest Story: Child Friendly Spaces For South Sudanese Refugees in Uganda
Just a few years ago, this area resembled a big, tree-covered field. But as more and more refugees arrived in the town, it soon changed: Houses and schools were build, as well as a market to host and cater to all the refugees. Northern Uganda, together with the help of international aid, has done well in providing for refugees fleeing from conflict in South Sudan. Most families have safe and waterproof mud-huts, access to clean water and at least some food.
We have helped build schools for refugee children, running both in English and their local Sudanese dialect. In the afternoons, most boys and girls participate in our Child Friendly Spaces, where they learn to live peacefully within their communities.
Our colleague James Kamira explains:
We have over 7,000 children in our settlement who participate in our Child Friendly Spaces. They come here once their classes have finished and join our peace clubs. It sounds formal, but the children are having a lot of fun. They learn to identify their environment and how to best contribute to living together peacefully.
"When a child misbehaves, the caregiver takes care of him or her and explains why it’s important to be nice to each other. The World Vision staff advise us and counsel us. I can tell them about my problems and they will listen." explains 11-year-old Mary.
Peace clubs teach the children that discrimination against others is not good, and that it’s important to interact with everyone. They learn through games, songs, poems and creative classes.
At the Child Friendly Space, we also identify the most vulnerable children and connect them to other services. Many children have lost their parents during the conflict in South Sudan, so we make sure they're taken care of. Other boys and girls have injuries that need treatment.
Going forward, we want to continue to be good role models and train others to get involved as well. It’s important to find a peaceful place after escaping a war.
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