A Path to Hope

In the central and northern regions of Mali, the protracted crisis has profoundly disrupted the lives of children. For many of them, growing up means living with fear, instability, and the loss of essential reference points. Hamady*, 15, lives in Gao, an area that has been affected by armed violence since 2011. From an early age, he experienced insecurity and hardship, as his family lost its means of livelihood due to the conflict. Deprived of opportunities, Hamady was drawn into an armed group, without fully understanding the dangers this posed to his life and future.

Within the group, Hamady was not a fighter but was assigned domestic and logistical tasks.
“We were constantly on the move. I rarely saw my parents, and danger was everywhere. But you were not allowed to show fear,” he recalls.
After a violent attack that left several of his peers dead or injured, Hamady realized the deadly risks of his situation. He made the decision to flee and, after several days of walking, managed to reach a nearby displacement site.

In July 2024, at a site for internally displaced persons, a community awareness campaign led by the Local Child Protection Committee helped raise awareness about the risks of associating children with armed groups and informed communities about available support services. Through this initiative, Hamady was able to contact a member of the Committee, who referred him to the Gao Transit and Orientation Center, supported by UNICEF with funding from the United States.

At the Center, Hamady found much more than a place of refuge. He received comprehensive support, including safe accommodation, medical care, food assistance, clothing, and, most importantly, tailored psychosocial support. Through counseling sessions, he gradually rebuilt his self-confidence and began to envision a future free from violence.
“I want to be accepted, return to my community, and live a dignified life,” he says.

To support his recovery, Hamady was guided in developing practical skills in trade and commerce, a profession he hopes to pursue in the future to generate income and achieve his dreams.

This journey marked a turning point in his life. By reclaiming an active role in society and acquiring a concrete livelihood skill, Hamady has become a source of inspiration for other young people in his community.

Hamady’s story illustrates how appropriate support, psychological recovery, and skills development can provide sustainable alternatives to violence. It also demonstrates that even after the most extreme hardships, recovery and hope remain possible. His journey is a powerful reminder that when children affected by conflict benefit from strong protection mechanisms and compassionate support, their life trajectories can change dramatically. Beyond suffering, hope and renewal can prevail.

* The child’s name has been changed to protect his identity.