For many children affected by conflict, childhood is replaced by fear, loss and uncertainty. Instead of going to school and playing with friends, they are forced to flee for their lives. Fourteen-year-old Monywach Maker Malual is one of those children whose lives was changed. His story reminds us that even after experiencing violence and displacement, children can recover and find hope when they receive protection and care.
Monywach lived with his caregiver, Nyamwuoch Thichung in Northern Jonglei before conflict broke out in their community. As the fighting intensified, they were forced to flee their home in search for safety. Their journey to Bor lasted eight days on foot. Along the way, they faced many hardships. The little food they had was taken away by soldiers they encountered on the way, leaving the family hungry and exhausted. Monywach recalls being terrified whenever he saw armed men.
As they continued their journey, they were suddenly attacked by armed youth. The attackers fired guns, forcing everyone to scatter into the bushes in fear. During the tension, several children including Monywach’s younger sister was abducted.
After several days him and his caregiver finally arrived safely at Bor IDP camp where they joined relatives who had already sought refuge there. Although they had escaped the violence, he was deeply affected by the traumatic experiences of the journey and the loss of his sister. He lived in fear, tears and uncertainty about his sister’s whereabout.
Intervention of Save the Children.
While living in Bor IDP camp, Monywach learnt about the child-friendly space through Nyabang Nyaw, the community-based child protection network chairperson. He said he saw children playing and participating in different activities in the child-friendly space established by Save the Children.
He said he was so withdrawn, aways sad and traumatized but the facilitators welcomed him into a safe environment where children could play, interact and express themselves freely. Through structured games, drawing, story telling and psychosocial activities, he gradually regained his confidence and began recovering from the emotional distress caused by the conflict. The child-friendly space provided him with opportunities to make friends, build social relationships and enjoy his childhood again after the difficult circumstances. The facilitator also referred him to the Save the Children case worker who had sessions with him and supported his family with non-food items like sitting mats, blankets and mosquito nets.
Monywach’s caregiver remembers, “The journey to Bor was the hardest experiences in our lives. I was worried about Monywach because he became quiet and fearful after everything we went through. Since he started attending the child-friendly space, I have seen him happier, more confident and able to play with other children.”
Outcome Of The Intervention.
Today Monywach is a happy child. He regularly attends recreational and psychosocial support activities and is now a team captain for the Bor football club at the IDP camp. His talent in playing football has made him known among his peers.
“When we were running, I was scared. I thought we would never reach a safe place but after reaching Bor IDP camp, I saw other children playing at the child-friendly space and I joined. Now I am happy I have many friends. I want to be an international player when I grow up. The child-friendly space has made me smile again.”, shares Monywach.
Monywach says although he misses his younger sister, he has become emotionally stronger and observed changes in his emotional well-being ever since he started coming to the child-friendly space.The intervention has given him a sense of belonging, safety, happiness while helping him cope with the trauma of displacement.
Ter Kun Lion, the child-friendly space facilitator shares, “”When Monywach first came to the Child Friendly Space, he was very quiet, withdrawn and carried visible signs of fear and sadness. He rarely interacted with other children and preferred to stay by himself. Through regular participation in play, storytelling, drawing and other psychosocial support activities, I gradually saw him change. He began smiling, making friends and actively participating in group activities.
Today, seeing him lead other children as a football team captain gives me great joy and reminds me why Child Friendly Spaces are so important in emergencies Monywach’s journey shows that with protection, care and consistent psychosocial support, children affected by conflict can recover, build resilience and look forward to a brighter future.”