Ramadan is here
Children in Sudan reminisce on the past and share their hopes and dreams
The holy month of Ramadan is a time of joy, celebration and communing with loved ones and family.
For the children in Sudan, Ramadan will be different this year as the country endures a brutal war now in its 11th month.
The war has not only robbed children of their childhood but also denied them an opportunity to share the holy month with their families. The war has disrupted their lives and separated them from their loved ones and families.
As Ramadan approaches, displaced children from a UNICEF-supported safe learning space in Al Salam internally displaced people’s gathering point, Kassala state, reminisce on life before the war as well as their hopes and dreams during Ramadan season and beyond.
“We used to prepare noodles, juice, dates and porridge during Ramadan,” 9-year-old Mai recalls.
“We are displaced people and cannot do this now,” she says with a frown.
“I hope that we can go back and fast in our homes and celebrate Eid there.”
9-year-old Mishkat from Khartoum remembers a lot from the previous Ramadan period.
“We used to go to the market, fast, and prepare juice and food.”
Mishkat and her family lost everything including their home, and now stay in a shelter.
“I miss home, and hope Khartoum can be safe again and we return home.”
Mohamed, 8-year-old misses home.
“We prepared the table before meals. And we sang together – “Ramadan has come.”
“I hope the war stops and we return to our homes,’ he said.
10-year-old Maryam from Khartoum is displaced.
“During Ramadan, we would set the table, clean the house, and prepare the food,” she recalls.
“We don’t have much now.”
“I will miss my friends during Ramadan. I hope the war stops and I return to my friends.”
9-year-old Ghufran always looked forward to Ramadan.
It is a period when her family would come together to pray, share meals, and celebrate.
“We always prepared the table, the juice, and the food,” she recalls.
8-year-old Ahmed will miss all the activity around the house during Ramadan.
“We used to prepare the table, juice and sing as a family,” he recalls.
“I hope that peace will return to Khartoum and that during the next Ramadan we will be back home.”
Dressing up in preparation for prayers is something Mai, Maryam, Mishkat and Ghufram did often during Ramadan. During a play session, the displaced girls from Khartoum dressed up as they previously did. For these children, the activity carries many memories.
Using mold clay, the children also reminded themselves of the various dishes prepared and shared during Ramadan.
While they are trying to cope with the displacement and war, all they need and call for is peace so their lives can return to normalcy.
