Responding to the Psychosocial Needs Of Refugee Children in Kiryandongo
The impact of mental health retreats on the well-being of refugee children in Kiryandongo
During times of crisis, social structures and community safety nets break down, leaving refugees vulnerable. This disruption deeply affects their mental, social, cultural, psychological, and emotional well-being. Children are naturally resilient, but in such situations, their innocence is often overshadowed by the weight of trauma and uncertainty.
According to UNHCR (2025), Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement hosts over 139,881 refugees, nearly half of whom 49% are children under 17. While children often mask emotional distress, their struggles manifest in different ways. Some cry frequently, isolate themselves, or refuse to attend school. Others display persistent emotional outbursts, clinginess, conduct disorders, or mild to moderate symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Anxiety-related symptoms and even suicidal thoughts are also common.
These challenges stem from various factors: family separation, abrupt changes in lifestyle, especially for children from stable economic backgrounds, witnessing traumatic events, family histories of mental illness, and limited access to basic household needs. Without proper support, these children face immense hurdles in rebuilding their sense of security and well-being.
Providing Mental Health Support for Distressed Children
With the growing psychosocial needs among children, LWF implements structured interventions to ensure access to mental health support. One such initiative is mental health retreats, targeted programs designed to help distressed children cope with trauma and emotional struggles.
These retreats are scalable, low-intensity psychological interventions that blend various psychotherapies. They incorporate art and music therapy, life skills training, peer-to-peer counseling, compassion building, the Tree of Life methodology, recreational activities, and self-awareness exercises to help children manage their emotions and build resilience.
With funding from UNICEF, 167 newly arrived children and adolescents (60 girls and 107 boys) were identified as experiencing distress in June 2024. Distressed children were identified through child protection structures and cluster leaders in areas where new arrivals were settled. Symptoms such as social isolation, persistent sadness, grief, and anxiety were assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), highlighting the urgent need for continued mental health support. Many showed signs of distress, ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms included persistent sadness, social isolation, and anxiety, making it difficult for them to engage in daily activities.
“At the time of conducting the first sessions of mental health retreats in June 2024, many Sudanese children couldn’t freely associate with other children; they were fearful, some could suddenly break down and cry, others especially the younger ones could cling on their elder siblings and others couldn’t express their emotions at all. However, after the retreats, these children are freely interacting, they play with others and can freely share their emotions and experiences,” Harriet Turyahabwe - project officer.
“Before the retreat, Sudanese and South Sudanese children were not playing together, every child would do activities independently, however after the retreat, they started playing together, interacting well and there is currently a stronger sense of compassion amongst the children,” Agudo Caroline - Psychosocial counsellor
Positive Transformations: Voices from the Community
The impact of these interventions has been profound. Teachers and parents have witnessed remarkable changes in children who once struggled with overwhelming emotions.
“When Sudanese refugees first arrived in the settlement, children were sad, isolated, and some stopped attending school. However, there has been a great improvement—many have developed coping abilities and are now back in class,” said the head teacher of Ematong Primary School.
For parents, the transformation has been just as significant.
Mr. Muhammad Babikirah, a Sudanese leader from Cluster L, shared his experience: “I was working in Saudi Arabia and could provide for all my children’s needs. But when the war started, I lost my job and found myself in the settlement with nothing. My children were deeply affected mentally. However, with psychosocial support, they are now feeling better, playing with other children, and attending school.”
Through these interventions, children in Kiryandongo are reclaiming their childhood one step at a time.
“I was always feeling bad at home, I didn’t want to play with other children, and I always wanted to stay alone but after participating in retreat with other children, I made friends, dance and play with them and I don’t feel bad any more,” Minah - Kiryandongo refugee settlement.
The success of mental health retreats in Kiryandongo underscores the importance of structured psychosocial support for refugee children. By addressing trauma through compassionate interventions, these programs help children regain their confidence, reconnect with their peers, and embrace a sense of normalcy. While challenges remain, the visible transformations highlight the power of mental health support in rebuilding young lives. With continued investment in such initiatives, more refugee children can find healing, resilience, and hope for a brighter future.
