A Fight for Survival and Dignity Amid War

A Life Shaped by Conflict

In a derelict building in Malakal, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, a young woman named Nyamach, 19, is raising her brother and seven other siblings. Their lives have been marked by relentless conflict, forcing them to flee from one country to another in search of safety. Originally from South Sudan, they fled to Ethiopia in 2016 when fighting broke out in Juba, then moved to Sudan, only to be driven back to South Sudan by the war in Sudan last year.

Enduring a Harrowing Journey

"The journey was really difficult," Nyamach recalls. She was responsible not only for her brother but also for her other siblings. They faced separation, fear, and hunger. "We had no money to eat, but a kind woman we met on the road gave us some money. It was very little, but it helped us survive in that moment."

Surviving in Malakal

Life in Malakal is a daily struggle. "Surviving is very difficult. I have no one to help me. Sometimes kind people see that we are struggling, and they help us in whatever way they can. They give me something that can help us survive the day. Then the next day comes… Too many nights we go to bed hungry."

Nyamach’s brother, like many other children in conflict zones, longs for the normalcy of going to school. "He sees many others his age going off to school, and he asks me: why can’t I go too? I have no answer for him. There’s no way he can."

A Need for Stability and Support

For Nyamach, the concept of "home" is filled with painful memories and unmet needs. "Home right now is pretty terrible. I’m not able to provide for my brother. Home is meant to be a place where I cook good food and have all my family around me. When I think of home, the first thing that comes into my head is my mother."

War Child has been providing Nyamach and her siblings with cash assistance to meet their basic needs, but the situation remains dire. "I am very grateful for the support provided by War Child and other organizations, but it is not enough. Months have passed, and we are still in a very tough situation."

Looking Ahead: A Hope for Change

Nyamach’s story is a testament to the resilience of those who endure unimaginable hardships. She continues to care for her siblings, despite the overwhelming challenges. Their story is a powerful reminder of the urgent need for sustained humanitarian aid and support for children and families affected by war.

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