Over the past five years International Medical Corps programs have been serving vulnerable children and youth in conflict affected areas throughout Iraq. In August 2008 International Medical Corps opened a Child-Friendly Space (CFS) at Al-Ethar Foundation Campus offering the children of Al-Amiriya/Al Karkh a protected, carefree environment to learn, play, and grow. This facility, which includes play spaces, classrooms, a small IT learning center, as well as sports facilities, is not only conducive to learning but can help children to overcome some of their problems in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere.
International Medical Corps recognizes the critical importance of providing young people with coping mechanisms to deal with emotional trauma, and a way to express their thoughts and emotions. Research has shown that those exposed to multiple war-time events are at greater risk of long-term mental health problems. For children, factors that increase that risk include general family conflict, fear of being beaten, witnessing someone sustaining an injury, and the loss of one’s home – whether from forced displacement or war-related destruction. While the security situation in Baghdad is much improved, the capital is still characterized by checkpoints, property searches and random outbreaks of fighting. Most of the youth in this area have lost at least one family member to violence and have personally witnessed fighting or aggressive behavior.
The CFS at Al-Ethar Foundation Campus is yet another project that is making great strides towards helping Iraqi children recover from the effects of war. Since the opening ceremony in August, International Medical Corps’ child protection experts have provided guidance and support. One of the activities is a “Story Project” where approximately 30 children ages 6-12 come together each month to exchange stories and discuss ideas. The program offers vulnerable children, in particular orphans, an opportunity to express their ideas. Centre staff engage the children in a variety of ways, including the use of a projector to show images on a particular theme that then stimulate discussion.
During a recent visit International Medical Corps’ staff was particularly impressed with the engagement and enthusiasm of the children in this class and decided to expand the project to include a story-writing element. Now after each meeting the children are encouraged to write a story, with the best one winning a prize. The first story competition generated great enthusiasm – a total of 42 children submitted compositions on the topic of “peace”. Children wrote about their personal experiences of conflict, what they witnessed, their feelings, needs and suffering, stories about friends and families, as well as their understanding of peace.
Ten-year-old Muhammed lost his father during the war. Despite this painful loss Muhammed speaks of his love for his country and his people and prays that one day he will see unity in Iraq. He writes: “I lost my home. I live in a wounded country bleeding tears just like my tears for my father. I will not despair of my situation despite my young age. I will defend my country and pray to God for the unity of my people.”
Nine-year-old Wijdan tells the story of her friend who was hospitalized after a bomb was detonated while she was on her way to school. The friend sustained serious injuries. During that time she dreamt of being back at school. Once back at school, she was still gripped with fear and finds it difficult to accept what happened to her that day. Wijdan writes “The passing of time has not made me feel secure. I am filled with sadness when I think of what happened to my friends …But still we thank God for everything.”
Ten-year-old Dina also experienced violence, intimidation and fear on her way to school. One morning, shooting erupted and people began running in all directions; some had been injured. Soon the streets were filled with an eerie silence. Dina did not attend school for the rest of that year. When security improved in her area Dina was delighted to return to school. She writes: ”The streets are once again filled with people and the markets are beautiful again.”
A young girl named Noor, in her composition titled “The Girl and Destiny,” writes of the trauma of losing her father to violence. Her mother is also terminally ill with cancer. She has a baby brother. She tries to visualize what would happen if her mother were to die. She imagines being sent to live with her uncle where she is treated like a servant, while also trying to care for her baby brother. Noor is determined to finish secondary school and train to become a teacher. She writes: “I am strong because I believe in destiny but my belief in God and this country is greater.”
Other children write prayers for peace. Mustafa writes “Almighty god make this country safe. Bless its food. Grant us the blessing. Award it peace and stability. May the children of Iraq live in peace with a smile on their face.”
Children and adults both need mechanisms for coping with their painful thoughts and memories. Writing a story has proved an undeniably effective tool, and the ‘Story Project’ is allowing children to express themselves in a creative and therapeutic manner.
Funded by USAID/OFDA, Child-Friendly Spaces are a major component of International Medical Corps’ protection portfolio – programs that serve vulnerable children and youth in conflict-affected areas. The Spaces are also one of the most needed long-term development interventions in Iraq.
International Medical Corps has established five Child-Friendly Spaces in Iraq through the support of USAID/OFDA and UNICEF and plans to create at least 13 over the coming period.