UNICEF and Lawana: The story of a new smile.
Since 2024, Lawana, aged eight, has been receiving help from a psychologist supported by UNICEF and financed by the CERF fund.
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In the courtyard of Keleved's house, Lawana's father, the project team engages in a conversation with the child's parents. The little boy, standing in front of psychologist Dafiatou, embraced her, expressing his joy at seeing her again.
"There has been progress in terms of socialisation. He no longer isolates himself. It's a big step forward"
At the age of four, Lawana was exposed to the horrors of war, losing members of his family and suffering severe trauma. For several months, he has been receiving appropriate psychological support. The local partner ARDHU is implementing this project in the Far North to assist children like Lawana. They are trained and supervised by UNICEF in managing post-traumatic stress and promoting mental well-being among children. Through this initiative, UNICEF provides essential mental health and psychosocial support to children affected by humanitarian crises.
"Lawana is currently taking medication to manage his emotions, as he used to shout and repeat words. At the start of his support, I visited him twice a week. Now I visit once a week. We're monitoring the progress of the treatment, but I'm convinced that if everything goes well, we'll be able to enroll him in school next term."
The young child struggles daily to regain a normal life. For his mother, his gradual recovery is a sign of hope for a better future.
"I'm very happy to see him playing with others. He is now able to socialise with others. I am deeply grateful for the support that UNICEF offers to children in vulnerable situations.
Today, thanks to Dafiatou's psychological support and UNICEF's actions with CERF funding, Lawana's story highlights the need for support for children affected by humanitarian crises in the Far North region.
