Holding Sudan in focus: Stories of survival and hope

Ahmed, 42, a father of eight, lives in Al Guba, East Darfur. He and his wife, Fatima, care for three blind children and one with multiple disabilities, while grieving the recent loss of a son. The family lives in a fragile hut that offers little protection from heat or rain, and they have no stable income to feed their children.

Before the crisis, Ahmed farmed millet and groundnuts and worked as a daily labourer. As conditions worsened, Fatima began selling tea to help the family survive, while their eldest daughter was forced to leave school to care for her blind siblings.

When support from the Scottish Government arrived via Tearfund’s partner, it came at a critical moment. With the cash assistance they received, they were able to buy basic food supplies to stabilise the family and protect their children during the ongoing crisis.

Ahmed says, ‘I cannot find the words to fully express my gratitude. Your assistance has brought us relief and hope in the midst of unimaginable hardship.’

Halima: Protection and support after trauma

Sixteen-year-old Halima lives with her mother in a camp for internally displaced people and has a disability. When her father disappeared months into the conflict, they were left to survive alone.

While working on a farm to earn a living, Halima suffered sexual violence and fell pregnant. She carried this trauma in silence, fearing that she would be stigmatised – or not believed.

After giving birth, Halima struggled to care for her newborn baby in the camp, unsure of where to turn for help.

The funding from the Scottish Government has ensured Halima receives the legal support and psychosocial care she desperately needs. A core part of this project is sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) awareness and response activities, through which Tearfund’s partner is helping women and girls such as Halima recover from trauma.

Emergency cash assistance has also helped the family to buy food.

For the first time, Halima and her mother say they feel heard, believed and supported – a crucial step toward safety, healing and rebuilding confidence for the future.

Making a difference in a time of crisis

Erickson Biseta, Tearfund’s Country Director in South Sudan, says, ‘What our partner is seeing on the ground in East Darfur is real impact. Families who were starving are now able to feed their children, and vulnerable people are being kept safe from harm.

Bee Roy, Head of Tearfund Scotland adds, ‘We are deeply grateful to the Scottish Government for their funding through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund. We also encourage Christians across Scotland to continue praying, giving and remembering the people of Sudan. Your support is helping families survive and rebuild in these crucial times.’

Thanks to this funding, thousands of people in East Darfur have benefited from emergency cash, food and protection. While the crisis continues, Tearfund is showing up where it matters most – helping families survive, protect their children and regain a sense of stability and possibility.