In my engagement with the out-of-school children under our Organisation, I have met children who have experienced different forms of hardship. Some have faced emotional and physical abuse, violence, loss of parents, poverty, and insecurity. These experiences contribute to shaping how a child feels, thinks, learns, and relates with others.
Trauma is an emotional and mental pain a person may experience after going through something frightening, painful, or difficult. For children, experiences such as abuse, violence, loss, or neglect can leave them afraid, confused, sad, or withdrawn, and every child responds to trauma differently. So, I believe that helping children understand what trauma is at an early age is an important part of helping them understand why they feel those strong emotions they can’t express and how to heal from that pain. When a child understands that their feelings are valid and that they can express how they feel and even seek help, they will feel cared for, less alone, and more willing to speak to a trusted person.
During our just concluded Annual Summer Camp 2026, we created time for trauma-healing sessions with the children. That is, in fact, one of the core purposes of the programme: to spend time with them, get to know them better, and listen to them express themselves. We talked to them about what trauma is, how difficult experiences can affect them, and why it is important to speak to someone they trust when they are struggling. The children were also made to understand that difficult experiences can affect people in different ways, reminding them that if someone hurts or abuses them, they are not to blame; it is not their fault.
A child may become unusually quiet, fearful, angry, withdrawn, have difficulty sleeping, or struggle to concentrate. These signs should not be ignored, and the children were encouraged to speak with a trusted and safe adult. We also taught the children about personal safety and reminded them that their bodies deserve respect and that they should speak up when someone makes them uncomfortable, threatens them, or touches them inappropriately. I encouraged them to tell a trusted adult and to keep speaking up even if they do not believe them.
The session was very practical and simple in ways the children could understand. There was room for questions and an intensive prayer session.I believe that God cares deeply about every child. We reminded the children that they are loved by God and that their painful experiences do not change how God loves them or determine their future.
By listening to them, protecting them, teaching them, and praying with them, we can help them find hope again. Your support in prayers and donations can help us reach more vulnerable children with trauma awareness and hope.
With just a weekly donation of as low as 2$, sent here:
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 1016475161
ACCOUNT NAME: Hasken Rayuwa Afrika Ministry (HUMANITARIAN ACCOUNT)
BANK NAME: Zenith Bank PLC
USD ACCOUNT NUMBER:5070985611
ACCOUNT NAME: Hasken Rayuwa Afrika Ministry
BANK NAME: Zenith Bank PLC
