Lake Chad’s children dreams
They all have one thing in common: their stories bound by violence, and freed by dreams.
Conflict in the Lake Chad region has led to widespread displacement, violations of human rights, protection risks and a severe humanitarian crisis. Across the Lake region in Chad over 120,000 people — mostly women and children — have fled violence. Among these, over 5000 have found refuge in Daresalam refugee camp.
Building better futures for children through education
“I am now a teacher. It is hard at times but I am very happy. Conditions are not easy but the bright side is that our children can prosper and have a goal in life. I encourage every one of them because all children have their own talents. I see they are learning many things. They have great aspirations. I believe there is hope despite the war.”
Education is a child’s fundamental right and it is critical during emergencies and times of conflict. Teachers in the refugee camp like Musa Mohammed Tukur, 33, who is a refugee himself, play a crucial role to ensure there is still hope for children’s future in the midst of violence.
Dispelling myths about nutrition practices
“I suffered a lot, but my baby was born healthy. When I gave birth in the health center of the refugee camp nurses told me how to breastfeed and I do it since,” she admits proudly.
A crucial priority for child survival in humanitarian emergencies is breastfeeding. Despite myths that mothers under stress or suffering from malnutrition are unable to breastfeed, mothers like Magret Ali, 25, know how beneficiary it is for the baby’s health
Ensuring access to water and sanitation
“I always help my mother in the house and I go to fetch water. With water we can drink, bath the kids and themselves, cook and wash clothes. This water is good and since we have arrived in the camps we rarely have stomach problems.”
In Daresalam, Lanzi Modou (right) lives with her parents and siblings in the camp since February 2015, after her village was attacked. Part of her daily routine before and after going to school is to ensure there is always water at home.
Offering safe spaces for children to play and socialize
“I want to be an Information Technology (IT) specialist. My father repaired computers and cellphones and I used to help him after school.”
Every child’s future starts with a dream. Nazirou Ousman, 16, is talented and tech-savvy. Back in North-East Nigeria, his father’s had a computer business. Every afternoon, he comes to the UNICEF-supported Child friendly space of the refugee camp where children can play and socialize.
In 2017, thanks to the generous contributions of The Swedish Development Aid Agency, UNICEF provided an integrated and comprehensive response to recurrent and multiple humanitarian crises. UNICEF and its partners delivered humanitarian assistance through local authorities, communities and organizations to provide aid in hard-to-reach areas while also building local capacity to respond to emergencies.
The Swedish Development Aid Agency has supported UNICEF Chad with a US$ 652 000 grant (6,000,000 Swedish Krona) for Programme Support under the Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC 2017). This funding enabled our teams to assist these children and families in need in regards to Chad humanitarian response.
