Changing lives: the importance of NGOs in a global refugee crisis
This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.
Across the world, conflict, violence, persecution and human rights violation persists and as a result of this, millions of children are displaced every year.
Life as a refugee is harsh on all people, but it is especially difficult for children.
In the years of their life where they should be dancing in fields and laughing with friends, these children are faced with extreme trauma and little hope.
Children live in refugee camps in temporary houses made of tarpaulin or caravans with limited access to water and a lack of heating.
The schools they go to are overcrowded, and the children face harassment and bullying, on top of the psychosocial trauma they already face.
Their teachers are refugees too, and lack training and experience in teaching, meaning the quality of education received by refugee children is much lower than other schools.
Life for them feels unsafe and uncertain.
This is where non-governmental organisations play a vital role in the future of these children.
NGOs assist children in finding a school near to their camps and then coordinate with the government to ensure the children can attend there.
They provide them with essential equipment, such as stationary and bags, and give teachers training so they can provide a good education.
Infrastructure support is also provided to accommodate more children - things such as toilets, tables and chairs.
As well as this, NGOs address the psychological or emotional trauma faced by refugees — something which is most prevalent in young children who experience psychosocial issues and often suffer from frequent nightmares.
Recreational activities, safe playtime with friends and guidance from trained staff are all part of this support, as well as physiological councillors for help.
This support is essential for the children who have dealt with unimaginable horrors so early in their lives — and its provision is not a simple task.
NGOs worldwide face ongoing obstacles, particularly in securing the needed to run their projects.
NGOs primarily require financial resources to provide aid, and currently face challenges receiving these from governments as they are prioritising their own domestic aid, over humanitarian issues.
However, despite these challenges, the work of NGOs is transformative; by providing such support they give displaced children more than just survival.
They provide a chance to rebuild their lives with hope.
