Myname is Maryan, and I am from a small village in the Lower Shabelle region. My life was peaceful until the war reached our doorstep. The conflict between the Somali National Army (SNA) and Al-Shabaab forced my family to flee with nothing but the clothes on our backs. We had already been struggling with severe drought, barely surviving on what little food and water we could find. When the fighting began, we had no choice but to leave. The journey to safety was long and painful. I walked for days with my children under the scorching sun, carrying my youngest on my back. Hunger gnawed at us, and exhaustion made every step feel impossible. When we finally reached the displacement camp in Gubadley, I thought our suffering was over—but life in the camp brought new struggles. Food was scarce, clean water was difficult to find, and my children fell ill due to poor living conditions. I felt helpless, trapped in a cycle of despair. One day, a group of people from SASDO arrived at the camp, offering hope where I had thought none existed. They were conducting child protection
awareness sessions, speaking about issues that deeply resonated with me. For the first time, I realized that help was possible. Encouraged by their words, I approached them and met a kind lady named Hodan. She listened to my story with compassion, allowing me to speak freely about my struggles. I told her about the hunger, the illness, and the fear that haunted my children and me. Hodan reassured me that I was not alone. She explained the support SASDO could provide and immediately took action. Thanks to SASDO, my children and I received urgent food assistance and medical care. They provided psychosocial support to help us cope with the trauma of displacement. My youngest son, Ahmed, was enrolled in a child friendly space, where he could play, learn, and regain a sense of normalcy. For the first time in months, I saw him smile again. SASDO also connected me to a livelihood support program, giving me a chance to rebuild my life. They offered training opportunities, and I chose tailoring—a skill that is now helping me regain independence. Today, I stand stronger than before. ALHAMDULILLAH, I have found hope and a way forward. I am deeply grateful to SASDO for their unwavering support. They gave me more than just assistance—they restored my dignity and reminded me that I am not alone.
Restoring Dignity Through the Hand Project.
April 23, 2025
