Jwan showed Besma the UNICEF-supported child-friendly space (CFS) in her camp. The space provides children opportunities to play, learn, create and spend time with their friends and teachers – a safe place where children can be children, despite the difficulties of their situation.
“At first Besma was reluctant to go to the CFS,” Jwan says. “Now she never wants to leave.”
The CFS also serves as an important entry point for health and education interventions for children. If staff notice behaviours that indicate a need for additional support, children can be referred to the appropriate psychological or health services; if staff learn that children are out of school, they can encourage them to return to class.
Around 100 children from the camp come to the space each day. On a recent morning, Besma and her friends played games, sang songs and made art.
“I like to come here because I get to see my friends, and I can draw and skip,” Besma says.
While dodging a flurry of fluorescent hula hoops, Marwa, a volunteer at the CFS, looked towards Besma as she laughed with her friends.
“I’ve seen a huge improvement since her first day,” Marwa says. “Besma is more outgoing and she’s made a lot of friends. Each day she’s a little better.”
* Some names have been changed.
(Source: UNICEF)
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