Khalda was pregnant when the family had to flee. csi
The couple and their six children arrived in the camp after a dangerous journey that lasted nearly five days.
At the time of their escape, Khalda was pregnant. Fighting had become constant, with gunfire erupting every day; civilians were frequently caught in the crossfire.
Before the conflict escalated, Hussain worked as a laborer, earning just enough to support his family. Now, with the family displaced, survival looks very different. He takes on odd jobs, including cutting firewood and carrying it to the market to sell. This brings in very little money, but it helps provide food for the children.
The children’s education has also been disrupted. While some informal learning spaces exist in the IDP camp, there are no proper schools. The children attend classes when they can, but it does not amount to an education.
Despite the hardship, the family feels safer in the camp than in their hometown closer to the fighting. For them, it is a relief to be living in relative safety.
Their journey to the camp was not direct. At first, they stayed in their town of Dilling, southern Sudan, as violence intensified. When the fighting became unbearable, they moved to another area about 20 minutes away. When the conflict followed them there as well, they made the final decision to seek refuge in the settlement where they now live.
Like many displaced families, they dream of returning home. They farm land in Dilling, and farming is the basis of their livelihood and independence. They hope that when peace finally comes, they will go back to rebuild their lives and cultivate their land once again.
For now, they wait, surviving day by day, finding small ways to provide for their children, and holding onto the hope that stability and peace will return sooner rather than later.
Families like Hussain and Khalda’s urgently need help. Together with local partners, CSI is distributing emergency aid packages containing food, medicine, and tarps. Thanks for contributing what you can via our Donations page.
