Kakuma Refugee Camp Holistic Support

The difficult circumstances confronting children in Kakuma, Kenya — from the  devastating drought, to poor hygiene conditions, protection concerns, and the persistent specter of disease — underscore the critical need for targeted assistance and care. Over the last four months, IsraAID's endeavors have remained steadfastly centered on the empowerment and welfare of these children.

Child Friendly Spaces

IsraAID Kenya’s Child Friendly Spaces (CFSs) provide an empowering haven where children’s voices are not only heard, but acted upon. In April, our CFSs celebrated World Health Day, centered around the theme of wellbeing. Activities including breathing exercises and body movements were used to convey important messages about hygiene and disease prevention. Chukulisa, a dedicated member of IsraAID's team and a refugee herself, expressed the joy of witnessing positive transformations through social-emotional learning and child-friendly activities -

“ When I see a child smile and them enjoying the session it makes me feel like I have achieved something big at the end of the day." 

Promoting Menstrual Hygiene

On Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28th this year, IsraAID Kenya visited a local primary school to demystify menstrual hygiene. In line with IsraAID’s approach to gender equality, girls and boys were included in the demonstrations on proper pad usage and disposal which equipped the students with practical knowledge and fostered open dialogue around a topic that is often met with silence. The training helped students dispel their fears and encouraged open conversations with their parents.

Celebrating International Day for the African Child

On June 16th, IsraAID marked the International Day for the African Child with a community-wide celebration in Kalobeyei settlement. The event showcased the talents and voices of children participating in IsraAID's CFSs, their families, and friends. The activities ranged from singing and dancing to thought-provoking presentations on children's rights in the digital realm. IsraAID is committed to amplifying the voices of children and ensuring their rights are respected and one way we do this is by offering a platform for expression and community-led education.

Partnering for Joy

Together with the UNHCR, IsraAID donated tree swings and slides in reception centers in Kakuma 3 and Kalobeyei settlement. These installations offer children moments of joy and playfulness, reflecting IsraAID’s dedication to nurturing the holistic development and resilience of young lives. Watch the warm reception we received when the equipment was installed at the link below. 

Thank you for your support!

Links:

• https://fb.watch/my-PCzbiQE/

IsraAID Kenya's Community Outreach Workers' provide psychosocial support, referrals, and other advice to people living in Kakuma Refugee Camp. This is Regina's story:

My name is Regina and I am Congolese but living in Kakuma Refugee Camp. I am a single mother of eight children, and my eldest daughter recently gave birth. At the time she gave birth to her daughter, she was living outside of the camp. Due to mental health challenges, she was not coping well so left her daughter with me.

Together with seven children and one grandchild we live here in Kakuma and depend on food rations. At first, it was difficult to receive rations for my granddaughter as she was not registered under my care, I tried many different offices but nothing seemed to be helping and I lost hope.

When IsraAID Community Outreach Worker Hussein knocked on my door, I told him he wouldn’t be able to help me because I had already tried in every way to add my granddaughter but didn’t succeed. But Hussein didn’t lose hope and returned another to discuss other possibilities, sharing with me me important information and options. In that moment, I didn't react, but after he left I started to think about everything he had told me and began seeing a possible solution from far. I thought that maybe God sent this person here, but even still, I felt discouraged. On a third visit, Hussein asked me ‘’if not you, who can help this girl?’’ I started crying, and right there and then I decided to try again.

I used the information that Hussein shared with me and eventually was able to finally add the girl to my ration card. After six months of agony, the child can now receive her ration from UNHCR. I thoughts it was a dream and I returned home singing and smiling. The following day, when I saw Hussein coming from afar, I started crying. When he arrived at my home I told him “Hussein, I succeeded. Thank you so much, and thank you IsraAID.”  I cannot donate to others, but I can be an ambassador for IsraAID to my community.

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