PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT FOR WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES

SA4D has been working with the Community Psychosocial Support Organisation (CPSO) on the Women on the Move project since 2012, supporting women and children who have been forced to flee to Uganda because of famine, drought and conflict in South Sudan. Many of them are traumatised – also by experiences while fleeing – and require help in processing their trauma.

“I TRUST MYSELF AND THE COMMUNITY AGAIN”

Bledina fled with her three children four years ago. “After we escaped, the hardest thing was getting water,” she says. “I had to leave my children alone while I made the long trip. I didn’t trust anyone.” During the project’s sport and play activities, Bledina feels at ease. She forgets her pain and her tiredness for a moment. She can talk about her traumatic experiences and regain confidence: “Thanks to courses on the project and a microcredit from the Women on the Move credit group, I have been able to open my own tailor’s. I make a living with that.” Bledina is proud of being an active part of the community: “Before, I could hardly look after myself. Now I can get targeted help and even help other women with my knowledge.”