Article
A day at a safe learning space
It is early morning in Kassala. The sun gently illuminates the room that 10-year-old Naba shares with her grandparents. She awakens from her bed, washes her face, and brushes her teeth, preparing for her day at UNICEF’s safe learning space s, also known as a Makanna. Since she and her mother fled Khartoum and s...
Article
Safe spaces for all children in Sudan
The morning sunlight rays piece the room, interrupting 9-year-old Alsmany’s sleep. Rubbing his eyes, he struggles to rise. It’s 6:00 a.m., the start of a new day. Alsmany, the youngest of the family, was born with a disability, but is remarkably independent, accomplishing much on his own. Alsmany hastens through h...
Photo essay
This is my Makanna – my safe space
My name is Shaimaa. I am 14 years old, and this is my Makanna . Makanna is an Arabic word for ‘our space.’ Sudan is enduring one of the worst conflicts in the world which has displaced about 3.5 million children internally and across borders. Their lives, education and protection have been disrupted by the conflic...
Article
Safe Learning Spaces
13-year-old Mehad loves school. She has dreams and longs to complete school to become a pediatrician – a profession she admires and through which she can provide care to children like her. Last year, around this time, Mehad and her brothers would already be in school – their new school term always started in Septe...
Article
Hope and safety
12-year-old Anfal Adel and her peers engage in club activities including debates at Algharbia Safe Learning Space located in Gedaref State in the Eastern part of Sudan. The safe space set up by Jedian organization with UNICEF support, hosts more than 248 displaced girls and boys like Anfal daily. Like most of her...
Photo essay
Learning and healing through play
The conflict in Sudan has displaced millions of children within the country and across its borders. In Port Sudan thousands of displaced children and families have sought refuge. Children are struggling to find a place to play and interact. UNICEF has set up child-friendly safe learning spaces that are providing s...
Photo essay
Children at play
Child Friendly Spaces are a child right’s programming approach that supports children’s well-being in the midst of emergencies. Girl dancing in IDP camp These spaces provide children affected by natural disasters or armed conflict with a safe environment where integrated programming including play, recreation, ...