Helen, a 4-year-old girl from Wukro in Tigray, Ethiopia, was born during the war. She entered the world with no legs and only one hand, believed to be the result of the conflict that ravaged the region during her mother’s pregnancy. Helen’s 26-year-old mother endured immense hardship while carrying her, struggling to find food and shelter as the violence escalated. The stress, lack of medical care, and poor nutrition during this critical period likely contributed to Helen’s severe physical disabilities.
Abandoned by her father and ostracized by his family because of her disability, Helen’s only support came from her mother. They live together in a small, war-damaged house where poverty grips their daily lives. Already traumatized by the conflict, Helen’s mother faces the daily challenge of caring for her child without sufficient resources. Helen, fully dependent on her mother, cannot move on her own, adding to the heavy burden her mother carries alone.
The isolation caused by both Helen’s physical condition and the family’s extreme poverty kept her from experiencing childhood as other children do. She could not join in play or learning activities, limiting her social and emotional development. The ongoing trauma of war weighed heavily on Helen’s mother, who struggled with feelings of despair, overwhelmed by the demands of raising a child with special needs under such dire circumstances.
When we conducted a child protection assessment in Wukro, guided by the Social Affairs office, it became clear that Helen’s situation reflected the devastating impact of conflict on vulnerable children. Her disability, combined with the family’s financial hardships, left them without access to medical care or basic aid. Her mother’s trauma further deepened the immense emotional strain on their lives.
Recognizing the urgency of their situation, our team initiated a holistic response to meet both Helen’s and her mother’s needs. First, we provided Helen with a wheelchair, granting her mobility for the first time. This was a transformative moment. For the first time in her life, Helen could explore her surroundings, interact with other children, and begin to gain a sense of independence.
Additionally, we arranged for financial assistance to help Helen’s mother address immediate needs such as food, clothing, and essential medical supplies. This cash support eased some of the financial pressures that had been overwhelming them.
To help heal the emotional scars left by the war, both Helen and her mother were enrolled in continuous psychosocial support. Counseling allowed Helen’s mother to process her trauma and regain emotional strength, which in turn helped her care for her daughter more effectively. Helen, too, began receiving the emotional care she needed to build confidence and resilience, helping her to better understand and adapt to her disability.
The impact of these interventions was profound and life changing. With the newfound freedom her wheelchair provided, Helen began engaging with the world around her smiling, laughing, and playing with other children for the first time. This shift not only improved her motor skills but also helped build her self-esteem and emotional resilience.
Her mother, no longer consumed by despair, began participating in community support groups and exploring small-scale income-generating activities using the financial assistance provided. With her mental health stabilized through ongoing counseling, she found strength in her role as a mother and advocate for Helen.
Today, Helen and her mother are more connected to their community, where she continues to blossom socially and emotionally. Psychosocial support remains a cornerstone of their recovery, ensuring that both mother and child continue to heal and thrive despite the lingering effects of war.
“I used to cry every night, not knowing how I would raise my daughter. But now, I smile with her. I believe in our future,” said Helen’s mother.
Helen’s story illustrates the deep and interconnected effects of conflict, disability, and poverty on children and families. The comprehensive support provided combining mobility assistance, financial aid, and psychosocial care was crucial in improving both Helen’s physical condition and the emotional well-being of her and her mother. Her case underscores the urgent need to address the root causes of disability in conflict zones and highlights the importance of sustained, multifaceted support for children like Helen, who are born into and grow up amidst conflict.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the German Humanitarian Assistance
Its contents are the sole responsibility of Joining Forces and do not necessarily reflect the views of the German Humanitarian Assistance.