This is my Makanna – my safe space
A walk around through a UNICEF-supported safe space for children during conflict
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 conflict.
Shaimaa and her family fled from Khartoum when the war broke out and have sought safety in Kosti, White Nile state.
Every day, she and hundreds of children frequent the UNICEF-established Makanna at El Goz gathering point. While away from home, these children need protective spaces to process, heal, play and recover.
At the Makanna displaced children and those from host communities can also access an integrated package of critical services like structured learning, psychosocial support through recreation and play, referrals to healthcare and protective services and water, sanitation, and hygiene all in one space.
All are designed to enhance children’s full growth, welfare, and protect and nurture their physical, social, and emotional well-being. Services also engage and support the needs of adolescents and caregivers.
While Shaimaa longs to return home to see her extended family and friends, today she seeks solace at the UNICEF Makanna and enjoys the services provided.
Through a walk around the Makanna by Shaimaa, we learn more about the services provided by partners like Sadagaat, JASSMAR and the Ministry of Education with UNICEF support and funding from the Government of Canada and Education Cannot Wait (ECW).
Some 150 girls and 180 boys (aged 3 to 18 years) enjoy services at the spacious Makanna that sits on a spacious ground. UNICEF has provided high-performance tents where learning and play activities happen. Schedules for different age groups have been drawn to provide all children with equal opportunities to access the services provided.
"Makanna is a safe place where children can learn and play,” confirms UNICEF’s Education Officer Ghada Hamdy.
“I want to go back to our house and go back to school as before,” says 14-year-old Shaimaa. But the ongoing conflict continues to rob her of this desire.
While millions remain on the move, UNICEF is providing alternative learning solutions for children affected by conflict. In a UNICEF tent, Shaimaa and other children sit quietly during an e-learning lesson. All eyes are glued to the small e-tablets mounted on wooden stands as they navigate through educative and interactive content. Learning is self-paced and supported by trained facilitators. Schools remain closed, so the UNICEF Makanna is providing learning alternatives.
In another tent, is the child-friendly space where the younger children enjoy fun and play activities. Shaimaa joins them in the fun. These activities allow the children to be children and help them put behind all the difficult circumstances they have experienced. Psychosocial support is also offered here.
Playing is a great way to relieve stress and overcome trauma. To support indoor and outdoor games, UNICEF has provided recreational kits complete with various sports and play materials including different balls for soccer and volleyball, whistles, vests, etc. Children and young people enjoy the games, despite the scorching sun. Shaimaa particularly loves volleyball and is quick to join the girl’s team in blue.
Amani displays her drawing with the UNICEF logo and tagline for every child.
Through art and drawings, children can share their experiences and feelings with caregivers. Art sessions are conducted by trained caregivers and psychosocial support is provided to children affected by the conflict.
Many children who struggle with trauma, stress, and anxiety may find it difficult to communicate their emotions verbally. However, through art, they are given a chance to share their inner thoughts and feelings according to caregivers.
Girls’ clubs also known as Saleema clubs have been established at the Makanna. An initiative by UNICEF, the clubs empower members with life skills and information on violence against children including reporting pathways. Psychosocial support and case management for unaccompanied and separated children and Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivor’s services are also provided.
Clean and safe water for children and families at the gathering point is provided through water trucking services. Promotion of hygiene services like handwashing with soap and water to prevent diseases is part of the activities for the children. The facilitators use daily sessions to educate children about the benefits of washing hands with water and soap. At the entrance of every section is a handwashing facility with water and soap to support the practice.
“We learnt that clean hands save us from diseases that may affect our health,” 14-year-old Shaimaa says.
A mobile clinic providing critical integrated health and nutrition services including immunizations and nutrition screening is also available. Internally displaced families and those from the nearby host communities’ benefit from the clinic services. The gathering point where the Makanna is located is one of the largest and hosts over 140 households. Through the clinic, families have access to much-needed services delivered with UNICEF support.
Children and young people take time to engage in various traditional dances, songs and drama skits that promote culture and social cohesion. Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, they find time to celebrate and enjoy themselves.
While the conflict continues and spreads across the country, millions of children are displaced. They need safe spaces such as these. As part of its emergency response, UNICEF is working closely with partners to scale up the Makanna integrated approach. The Makanna’s integrated community-based approach links interventions in education (structured learning, PSS, adolescent participation) with specialized child protection services available in the targeted area and the provision of basic WASH services. All are designed to enhance children’s full growth and welfare and protect and nurture their physical, social, and emotional well-being. Services also engage and support the needs of adolescents and caregivers.
