Nathan*, a 15-year-old boy from a remote village in Ziquala Woreda, Wag Himra Zone, was living in a community heavily affected by conflict and instability. The ongoing insecurity disrupted normal community life and exposed children and adolescents to various protection risks, including neglect, violence, psychosocial distress, and other harmful coping mechanisms.
Nathan* soon became increasingly disengaged from education. He frequently missed school and spent much of his time on the streets during school hours, exposing him to negative peer pressure and unsafe environments. His prolonged absence from school affected his academic performance and increased the risk of dropping out altogether.
The conflict-related stress and limited availability of child protection services also negatively affected his emotional well-being. Although community members and local stakeholders were aware of his situation, there were insufficient coordinated mechanisms to identify, refer, and support children.
As part of the Joining Forces for Food Security and Child Protection in Emergency (JF-FS & CPiE) Project, Nathan* was identified as a child exposed to multiple protection risks. A Child Protection Officer (CPO) conducted a comprehensive assessment to understand his educational, psychosocial, and protection needs. Based on the findings, an individualized care plan was developed in collaboration with his family and relevant community stakeholders.
Nathan* was subsequently enrolled in a Child-Friendly Space (CFS) supported by the project. The CFS provided a safe and supportive environment where he participated in structured recreational, educational, and psychosocial support activities aimed at strengthening resilience, improving emotional well-being, and promoting positive peer interactions.
In addition, Nathan* received regular follow-up and counseling support through the case management process. His caregivers learned about the importance of education, child protection, and positive parenting practices to strengthen family support for his growth and development. The project’s team also worked closely with school authorities and community structures to encourage regular school attendance and monitor his progress.
Following the intervention, Nathan* demonstrated significant improvements in his overall well-being and development. His school attendance became more regular, and he showed renewed commitment to his education. Participation in Child-Friendly Space activities and psychosocial support services helped him build self-confidence, develop positive coping mechanisms, and improve his relationships with peers and others around him.
At the same time, support from his family and community for his education and protection became stronger. Regular follow-up and case management ensured that his needs continued to be addressed and that progress was maintained over time.
Nathan*’s story demonstrates how timely identification, individualized case management, family engagement, and access to Child-Friendly Space services can significantly reduce protection risks and improve the well-being of children affected by conflict and instability. Today, he feels safer, more confident, and more hopeful about achieving his future aspirations.
Reflecting on the changes in his life, Nathan* shared:
“Before joining the Child-Friendly Space, I often missed school and spent most of my time on the streets. Now I feel safe, attend school regularly, and I am working hard to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor in the future.”
*Not his real name.
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.