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At this moment, one in six children around the world are growing up near conflict. When you have to flee a crisis, you might pack your clothes, your phone, and a favourite toy.
But you can’t pack security, income, a safe place to play or learn, or someone to fight for your rights. That’s what Save the Children is here for. We provide what you can’t put in a bag.
With your help, we can keep standing with children living in the world’s toughest places.
When Domaac's* village was attacked, he didn't know if his mum was dead or alive.
After four long years, Save the Children brought them together again.
Read on to see what your amazing support does or skip using the buttons below to the part that sounds most interesting!
As the rainy season came to an end and the dry season approached, a group of villagers herded their cattle closer to the river. Suddenly, a group of rebels brutally attacked and started shooting at anyone they saw. It was carnage.
Domaac ran from the rebels and their gruesome gunfire as fast as he could. Eventually, he came across a group who had come the same way. His mum and brother, Nhial* were nowhere to be seen.
For three weeks, the group kept travelling through the scorching sun. They shared whatever food they found. But then, they arrived at a safe village. When Domaac mentioned his surname to the villagers, he found that his distant cousin lived nearby – so he was taken in by his cousin’s wife.
Domaac became close with his foster brother, Kwoth* in his new village. They hung out non-stop and even started to go to school together.
They visited a child-friendly space run by Save the Children three times a week. They played games and spoke about the horrible things they’ve been through. After years of worrying, he managed to contact his family and found out his mum and big brother were alive and well.
Victoria, a Save the Children caseworker, first met Domaac in 2022. When she asked him “what’s wrong?” Domaac explained everything. He showed her his scars as he became emotional and told her he was afraid she wouldn’t accept his story.
Like Domaac, Victoria is from Akobo Country. She has witnessed the conflict first-hand and is dedicated to protecting children like Domaac. She immediately told our child protection specialists that Domaac had been separated from his family.
Save the Children has a big family tracing and reunification programme in South Sudan, where longstanding conflicts have forced thousands of people from their homes. So many families have been separated in the chaos. Donate now so we can continue to reunite families everywhere.
After four long years, the day came for Domaac’s return. He was finally going home to his mum and brother. The roads in Jonglei State are barely passable most of the year, so Domaac's long journey started by riverboat, then a helicopter, a plane, and finally a car.
In collaboration with UNICEF, we arranged for Domaac to fly with the UN's helicopter and air service. He was accompanied by Toang, who leads Save the Children's work on family tracing and reunification in South Sudan.
“Before I met anyone from Save the Children, I was afraid that I’d never see my mother again. I didn’t dare hope that it would happen,” said Domaac.
After several hours in the air, Domaac was welcomed by Nyabuony, one of Save the Children's field workers in his home village. Together, they took the last leg of his journey in our car.
Family, friends, and neighbours rushed to Domaac as he stepped out of the car. His mother held back a little; he ambled over, and they hugged for the first time in four years.
“My son! My son!” she exclaimed as they embraced. People around them started to dance.
“I’m incredibly happy that he’s back, healthy and well in front of me!” said his mum. She gathered the other women to pray to give thanks for her son's return.
These are the moments that your invaluable support can create.
Last year, we helped around 19 million children caught up in crisis get the vital supplies they need to survive and the things you can’t put in a bag: security, education, shelter, health, and protection. With your amazing support we can:
Be There to Help Children Through Tough Times
Forced to flee his home in Kharkiv after a stray bullet almost killed him, then separated from his mother, nine-year-old Mykola* became quiet and withdrawn.
With our supporters’ help, he was able to overcome his trauma. He’s now making friends and playing again.
£8 can provide psychosocial support to a Ukrainian child for three months.
Help a Child Find A New Home
The ongoing conflict in Syria has forced many children like Samah* to live in displacement camps, with little protection against storms and freezing temperatures.
But you can help provide lifesaving support for refugee children caught in extreme weather conditions.
£39 could provide urgent shelter items for Syrian families who’ve fled their homes.
Reunite A Child With Their Loved Ones
For four long years, the conflict in South Sudan had separated Domaac from the comfort and security of his mother’s care.
It takes a huge team effort, working with many organisations, to reunite children with their families. and it’s only possible thanks to people like you. Will you help reunite another family?
£79 could help us trace a child’s family so they can be reunited.
*names changed to keep children safe
Page last updated 12 March 2024
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