Western Sahara: Aid for refugee children in the desert
Born in refugee camps in the Algerian desert, forgotten by the world public – thousands of Sahrawi children and young people only know their homeland from stories.
Western Sahara, the land of the Sahrawi people, has been divided since the end of Spanish colonization in 1975 and the subsequent war: one part is administered by the Sahrawi organization Polisario Front. The other part is occupied by Morocco. Human rights organizations report that demonstrators are being beaten, and that Sahrawi political prisoners are disappearing into prisons and being tortured.
150,000 Sahrawis currently live in refugee camps in Algeria, trapped in a political stalemate: there is neither war nor peace, and little hope for a swift resolution. Temperatures in the camps reach up to 50 degrees Celsius, while in winter they plummet below zero. The refugees are entirely dependent on aid. Even water is delivered. There are primary schools, but only one secondary school. Many parents therefore send their children abroad for education. Afterward, they face a choice: returning to the bleakness of the camps or living far from their families.
Education and leisure activities
Terre des Hommes partner organization UJSARIO (Union des Jeunes des Saquia el Hamra et Rio de Oro) organizes educational and recreational activities in refugee camps. With great dedication, this terre des hommes organization provides children and young people in the Algerian desert with a safe space where they can develop their talents.
UJSARIO's youth centers are an important resource for children and young people in the refugee camps. For girls and young women in particular, they offer a sense of freedom. Here, they can meet and connect with friends in a relaxed environment away from their family tents. The targeted support of young women and girls is a central theme in all of UJSARIO's programs. And it's proving successful: many girls are actively involved with UJSARIO and are increasingly taking on leadership roles.
1,400 children and 2,000 young people regularly come to the nine youth centers to play, do crafts, learn, or play sports. Twice a year, there are also large soccer and volleyball tournaments with a total of 800 participants.
UJSARIO offers courses in computer science, Arabic, sewing, and cooking. And because the team constantly adapts its offerings to the wishes and needs of the young participants, they now also offer first aid training and courses on hydroponics, a combined system of fish farming and vegetable production.
Preserving one's own culture
In the remote desert, young people are at risk of losing their own culture. That's why volunteers organize cultural festivals, study days on Sahrawi culture, and competitions in traditional games. Around 600 young people compete in Sigh, Dhama, or Akrur games. And for young Sahrawis attending school abroad, UJSARIO organizes a special summer program to impart cultural values and counteract their sense of displacement. Furthermore, UJSARIO fosters a culture of community: Over 700 young people regularly participate in solidarity activities. They collect trash from the streets or care for families in need.
In a region grappling with terrorism, the Sahrawi people are committed to realizing international law through peaceful means. So far, their efforts have been in vain. Nevertheless, despite profound frustration and bitterness, they have succeeded in protecting their youth from extremism. UJSARIO plays a significant role in this. It is therefore all the more crucial to continue supporting their work for children and young people in refugee camps.
Help with a donation