Crafting confidence

Adolescence is a critical stage when children experience various changes as they transition to adulthood- a time when they begin to dream of the future and, with the right support, take their first steps toward making those dreams a reality. But the absence of this support places them at greater risk and threatens the achievement of their aspirations. 

Sadly, for millions of adolescents in Sudan, these formative changes are happening amid conflict, as thousands flee in search for peace. 

Fatuma, 13, was a pupil at Al-Shuhada Secondary School for girls and boys in Khartoum. The relatively new school had a small, close-knit student population. Teachers knew each pupil by name and ensured they had the support needed to excel. 
Fatuma dreamt of becoming a cardiologist one day – with her peers, parents, and teachers all rallying behind her.

“School and studying represented my future,” she said. 

The day the war broke out, Fatuma and her peers were in the middle of an exam when they were suddenly told to stop and rush home.

“The teacher stormed into the exam room and asked us to put the papers away. She didn't tell us why,” Fatuma recalled. 

She would later learn from her family that the war had started. It forced them to flee Khartoum. More than two years have passed since then, and the family- displaced six times- has now settled in Kassala.

The traumatic memories of their escape linger: from the sight of dead bodies and the sounds of gunfire and warfare to the unbearable living conditions, food and water shortages, and even floods that submerged all their belongings in a temporary shelter. Eventually, they fled to Garb Al Matar gathering site, which they now call home.

Healing and skilling through UNICEF clubs

At Garb Al Matar, Fatuma has joined other children and young people at a UNICEF-supported school to continue learning. Through catch up lessons, she recently completed the examinations for the lower-level certificate.

She is also an active member of the adolescent club supported by UNICEF, with funding from the Government of Canada, The EU Humanitarian Aid, and the German Cooperation through the KfW Development Bank.

These clubs, which run throughout the week, equip adolescents- especially girls affected by the conflict- with knowledge, life skills, and emotional support to help them navigate life during and after the conflict. They also serve as platforms for young people to become positive agents of change. 

Clustered in different age groups, the children and young people with support from trained facilitators engage in various appropriate activities like beading, crocheting, sports and play, cooking, confidence building, decision making, drawing, art and craft throughout the day.

Building skills, one bead at a time

At the child-friendly space, hosted in a large UNICEF tent, a group of adolescents arrive for a club session early in the morning. Among them is Fatuma. The sun is up, and the girls are ready to begin their day. Today’s session focuses on learning a new skill – making bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other ornaments.

The facilitator, Tawadud hands out blue beads, yellow smiley beads, and strings. The girls artfully string one bead after another, tying a knot at the end. Earrings and necklaces follow similar design. With creativity and care, they produce beautiful accessories. 

In another corner of the tent, a group is crocheting- transforming yarn into blankets, hats and bags. 

These simple yet meaningful activities empower the girls with practical skills that occupy their time, help them bond, and support their healing process. 

“Children coming from war zones often display violent behaviour resulting from the violence they witnessed at home or throughout displacement,” Tawadud said. 

“These clubs not only foster a strong spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among adolescents, but their daily interactions also help alleviate the psychological impact of conflict,” she added.

Tawadud, who is displaced, confirms that the beading club is among the most popular activities. In the adjacent tents, other sessions are also taking place. 

“I have learned so much, and more importantly, I can turn these skills into a source of income in the future,” said Fatuma.

Tawadud takes pride in the progress of the children and young people she supports each day.  Over the months, she has witnessed how the club activities have positively transformed their lives- from behaviour change through counselling sessions to skill development. 

In Garb Al Matar alone, over 1,000 adolescents have benefited from the UNICEF-supported clubs—equipped with skills and knowledge they need to become resilient, empowered, and hopeful for a brighter future.