World Vision says children are suffering in Sudan

Sudan (WV/MNN) — The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and World Vision Canada have partnered to create child-friendly spaces in Darfur, Sudan.

“Emergency situations like this one in Sudan are hardest on children,” explains Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada. “Providing a safe place for them to come to each day not only raises their spirits, but helps on the long road to healing.”

Toycen is part of a team from World Vision Canada that is in Darfur to assess the impact of the conflict on the children. Their findings will help them to decide exactly what type of child-friendly spaces to create; the project will be funded through donations from World Vision Canada supporters and a grant from CIDA.

The child-friendly spaces provide children with a safe place to play and talk with other children, a chance to return to a routine and an opportunity for parents to feel that their children have some sense of normalcy. These environments mean children in Darfur will soon be able to participate in structured educational activities and receive essential emotional support.

World Vision is a Christian organization who is helping people physically and mentally in Jesus name.

They’re creating safe play areas for children and engaging them in different forms of play therapy will enhance the quality of their lives and help restore their mental health.

$300,000 grant from CIDA, along with World Vision Canada’s $126,000 commitment, will be used to set up 15 new child-friendly spaces around the town of Nyala, South Darfur, Sudan as part of the organization’s ongoing relief work in Sudan.