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mosaic—winter 2020
Traumatized Children RESTORING HOPE AND HEALING TO CHILDREN OF CONFLICT by Nicolette Beharie
H
iba* was only six years old when civil war broke out in Syria. Although she doesn’t remember everything from the 2011 clashes, there are certain things she won’t ever forget. During the war, her father disappeared and is still missing today. A passing bullet also claimed the life of her baby brother. Hiba, the eldest of six children, then stepped in to support her grieving mother and younger siblings: After tragically losing her brother, she helped wash, wrap and bury the six-month-old baby. Now a young teenager, Hiba has grown up experiencing the harsh realities of war. In many ways, the 15-year-old has lost her childhood. She and her siblings can’t recall a time without war. In recent years, the United Nations (UN) has highlighted the mental health needs of children affected by violence around the world. “When children grow up in armed conflict, their deep mental scars are often overlooked,” UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore shared in a statement. “Prolonged exposure to violence, fear and uncertainty can have a catastrophic impact on children’s learning, behaviour and emotional and social development for many years. If ignored, toxic stress from witnessing or experiencing traumatic events can lead to an
“When children grow up in armed conflict, their deep mental scars are often overlooked.” increase in bedwetting, self-harm, aggressive or withdrawn behaviour, depression, substance abuse and, at worst, suicide.” The UN estimates that one in four children live in countries affected by conflict or disaster. For those who survive the violence, they are left with psychological scars that need special attention. If left unchecked, the effects of trauma can impact their health and well-being – disrupting their ability to learn. Through programs that support vulnerable children, CBM is working with global church partners to create safe places for children to heal and continue their education.
A NEW START Hiba and her family are among the 5.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries since the war began. The UN’s refugee agency estimates that another 6.6 million people are internally displaced. Nine years into the conflict, the ongoing violence has created the largest refugee crisis in the world – more than half the country’s population has been forced to leave their homes.