Children gathering at the CFS
Supporting Children Affected by Conflict
The civil war between Ansar Allah (the Houthis) and the interim government has been ongoing since 2015. According to the United Nations, as of 2024, many children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition, and 39% of school-age children (ages 6–15) are not attending school. Located in the southwest, Taiz sits on the boundary between the two forces and continues to experience sporadic fighting. It is the second-most displaced governorate on the interim government side. As for children who have lived their entire lives in the shadow of war, repeated bombings, shelling, and constant displacement have left them with psychological distress. In addition, they lack adequate mental health care. While international media often highlight Houthi missile strikes and retaliatory air raids, the everyday hardships faced by displaced people remain largely overlooked.
Activities in 2024
Support for CFSs (Child Friendly Spaces) for internally displaced persons
In collaboration with the local NGO, two CFSs were operated within internally displaced persons camps in the Jabal Habashi District, Taiz Governorate. Activities included storytelling, drawing, games, sports, and play. Prior to the opening of the CFSs, facilitators received training on psychosocial support, as well as management and operation principles. Additionally, small group awareness sessions were conducted multiple times for community members to emphasize the importance of child protection and education. The two CFSs were officially handed over to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor of the interim government, with confirmation that parents would volunteer to continue managing them.
Children playing doctor with toysat the CFS
Achievements in 2024
Child support that leaves no one behind
Both camps accommodated children with disabilities. Through training sessions, facilitators and local staff embraced the principle of “leaving no one behind,” ensuring appropriate care was carried out during day-to-day operations. Activities such as storytelling and crafting helped stabilize the children’s emotions, fostered their expressiveness, and reduced psychological stress. Responding to residents’ feedback, enhanced safety measures were implemented at the spaces, with active participation from parents. Furthermore, many voiced concerns about tensions between local residents and displaced persons. Moving forward, the spaces are being considered for use as venues to encourage interaction and mutual understanding between the two groups.
Facilitators attentively participating in training
A puppet show, popular with the children,that features moral lessons
Children making dolls using sponges
Trained parents conducting small-group awarenesssessions for local community residents
Facilitators teaching Yemeni games
Voices and Messages
I really enjoy playing with my friends!
Anmar
Participant of CFSs
My name is Anmar, I’m 12 years old. I have one younger brother and three younger sisters, and I’m the eldest. I go to school in the mornings, and I like science and Qur’an classes. It’s only a five-minute walk to school. But lately, the CFS has been so much fun that sometimes I don’t even feel like going to school! Before, I used to stay at home all the time, not knowing how to play or what to do outside. The facilitators showed me how to talk to friends and get along with them. Now I love playing hide-and-seek with my friends. Recently, I had a fight with a friend and felt really sad, but I was so happy that we made up while playing together at the CFS. We’ve grown even closer since then!
The author : Left
Children are birds of paradise
Amid KHALID
Parent
I fled from Thula with my wife and children in 2021. Neima, a 3-year-old who is not my biological daughter, joined our family through a friend while I was working in Aden. She also participates in the CFS. Every day, I volunteer at the CFS, ensuring children don’t get hurt while using the trampoline. I also mediate disputes when children from other IDP camps come to play, preventing fights from breaking out. Through the CFS, children have become more sociable, and the violent behaviors we used to see have greatly reduced. Neima, too, used to struggle with sitting still beside adults, but not anymore. Children are birds of paradise. Even after this project ends, I am determined to safeguard these spaces for children with a strong sense of responsibility.
