Warm blankets for children
UNICEF distributes blankets to over 4,000 conflict-affected children in River Nile
Dalia was just 10 years when the war forced her and her family to flee from Khartoum.
Eleven months later, the family has been displaced twice. Late last year, they were forcibly driven out of Al-jazeera, a place they thought had become home, following new clashes. Today they have settled in the River Nile state but are unsure about tomorrow.
Dalia and her siblings aged 8 and 5 years, as young as they are, have seen it all and are scarred by the ongoing war. They have walked along perilous routes in search of safety and refuge as they fled. The latest ordeal involved leaving their father behind in Al-jazeera after he was injured. But Dalia remains hopeful and looks forward to reuniting with him.
“My father was in pain, but he will come to us after he has recovered,” she echoed.
In the absence of her father, Dalia is taking on more responsibilities. At her new makeshift home that she shares with other displaced families, Dalia helps her mother with household chores like cleaning, washing dishes, cooking and looking after her younger sisters.
While this is a lot for the 11-year-old, she understands the importance of supporting her family and has taken on additional responsibilities to contribute to their well-being. Her sense of maturity and determination in shouldering these responsibilities is a testament to her resilience and strength in the face of hardship.
The harsh reality and biting cold
At Al-Salaam gathering point, families including Dalia’s continue to take shelter under very challenging circumstances, exposing people to the harsh elements of the desert, extreme weather conditions, and relentless winds. This exacerbates their suffering and vulnerability, especially the children.
Having fled with almost nothing, Dalia and her family are struggling to find enough clothing to keep them warm during the cold nights. With only a few clothes and belongings left, they lack sufficient bedding for themselves. The situation is worsened by the harsh conditions in the temporary shelters where they reside. Glass panes in the unfinished buildings have been replaced by polythene bags. The nights are often cold as the strong winds gash through while the families try to catch some sleep. Here, Dalia and her sisters share one bed but with not much to keep them warm.
With the blanket, Dalia and her siblings can snuggle and keep warm as they await their father’s arrival.
“The nights are bitterly cold, and we shiver uncontrollably in the room,” Dalia said.
“I often spend the night dreaming of my warm bedroom back home in Khartoum.”
The warm blankets
UNICEF has distributed warm blankets and mattresses to over 700 children and their families at Al-Salaam to protect them from the cold. For these young children, the blankets are a symbol of protection which they will hold onto during difficult times.
Dalia and her siblings could not hide the excitement.
“We badly needed the blankets. We covered ourselves with an old bedsheet, and it wasn’t enough for everyone,” Dalia said with joy.
Across River Nile, a total of 4,320 children were reached through UNICEF’s support and can now keep warm.
UNICEF plays a vital role in providing essential items like clothing and hygiene products to children and families affected by the war. The distribution of warm blankets and mattresses not only offers physical comfort but also symbolizes protection and hope during difficult times. Through such interventions, UNICEF strives to alleviate the suffering of those displaced by conflict, ensuring that children like Dalia have the support they need to endure and rebuild their lives.
