A Path Strewn with Hope
"Our work initially consists of reaching out to children affected by the crisis. Then, create a conducive environment to get them to talk about their problems and provide a holistic response."
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The sun is just rising over the displaced persons site at the Congress dune, located in the Ménaka region, welcoming 3,384 people, 43% of whom are children. In the gentle dawn, the children are already starting to wake up, breaking the silence with their laughter and morning games. This idyllic picture is deceptive; the scars of years of conflict are deeply rooted in the eyes of these young souls.
In the heart of this community affected by a complex humanitarian crisis, there is a colorful and welcoming space, a haven of peace: the Child Friendly Space (CFS). This is where Mossa AG*, a psychologist specialized in psychosocial support, begins his day. He carefully adjusts the scarf that adorns his hair before crossing the threshold of the space dedicated to children.
Mossa AG* knows that every day is a challenge. In this CFS, he and his team of three people are tasked with organizing psychosocial support activities to help children overcome the traumas of conflict, loss of loved ones, and abandonment. The activities are designed to restore a sense of normality and safety: group games, drawing sessions, music and dance workshops, theater plays, and many other creative initiatives.
At a drawing workshop, Mossa AG approaches Agaichatou*, a 12-year-old girl with a blank stare. Agaichatou drawings often reveal more than words could express. Through them, Mossa AG can understand the fears and hopes of the little girl. He crouches beside her and, with infinite gentleness, invites her to share her story.
"This drawing symbolizes the ordeal we went through during that attack when armed men on motorcycles burned our homes and took all our belongings. They beat and killed some people from the village right next to our concession. After the attack, my mom fled with my brothers and me on a donkey's back. I always remember that whenever I hear strange noises."
Agaichatou’s drawing today is a mix of dark shades and confused shapes. Mossa AG recognizes the expression of an inner chaos, a crying need to be listened to, understood, and comforted.
In parallel to the group activities, Mossa AG offers individualized, quality support in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). He advises and accompanies girls and boys with specific needs. These individual sessions are an opportunity to work on more complex and profound issues. By using counseling techniques adapted to the child, he creates a space of trust where the child can freely express themselves and begin to gradually rebuild.
"Our work initially consists of reaching out to children affected by the crisis. Then, create a conducive environment to get them to talk about their problems and provide a holistic response. We are faced with cases of trauma due to attacks and scenes of violence by armed groups (killing, abduction, rape, etc.) and incidents caused by explosive devices that affect children at different levels. Despite the complexity of this work, I am excited to contribute to bringing smiles back to these many children affected by the crisis and to give hope for a better life."
Rehabilitation is a gradual process. For some children, progress is rapid, for others, it takes months of patience and perseverance. But Mossa AG knows that each regained smile, each overcome fear, and each shared laugh are tangible proofs of the impact of his work.
At the end of the day, as the children return to their homes, Mossa AG meets with his team for a debriefing. They exchange their observations, concerns, and successes of the day. They also plan the activities for the next day, always with the aim of adapting their intervention to the specific needs of the children they accompany.
Thanks to the support of Japan, UNICEF, in close collaboration with decentralized government services and GARDL, a partner NGO, has set up six mobile Child Friendly Spaces like this one, rehabilitated and equipped three fixed Child Friendly Spaces in the Ménaka region. In these spaces, 968 children affected by the conflict, including 503 girls, have access to community/collective psychosocial support.
The challenges remain immense, and resources are sometimes limited, but Mossa AG's determination and that of his team never withers away. They are driven by a deep conviction: every child deserves to find a sense of peace and joy, despite the scars of the past.
*Names changed to protect person's identities
