Building a new life one stitch at a time

YAMBIO – Victoria* gazes lovingly at the upturned face of the four-month-old infant lying on her lap.

She brushes her palm gently across his forehead and giggles as the baby coos and gurgles and kicks his tiny legs in the air.

She leans back and smiles, her eyes glinting with pride, revelling in the newfound joy of motherhood.

Just shy of 19, her smile and calm demeanour conceal the many horrors that she’s battled. And survived.

Abducted by an unidentified armed group from her home in Tambura two years ago, she was held captive, forced into domestic labour, and subjected to sexual abuse.

She doesn’t want to dwell on that episode in her life.

“I am here now,” she says, motioning at the sewing machine in front of her, “and I have Dennis** in my life.”

In South Sudan, stories like Victoria’s are not uncommon as UNICEF estimates that around 19,000 children are still associated with armed forces and groups across the country.

Victoria’s time in captivity was fraught with despair and the constant fear of being attacked by other armed groups or security forces.

“I ran away after a few months in captivity with some others. We hid in the bush for a long time, and then went back home.”

Back in Tambura, she still wasn’t clear of danger, because those she escaped from, were still looking for her. She just didn’t know it.

An UNMISS partnership with UN agencies and the Save Lives Initiative identified Victoria and 27 others at high risk of abduction and brought them to a facility in the State capital, Yambio, where they were provided with psychosocial support.

They were then admitted into the Vocational Training Centre and Boarding House.

“We listen to the children and work closely with them to give them a sense of belonging. The courses given them skills they can use in the real world and a better chance at reintegration,” says Alex Baptist, Save Lives Initiative coordinator.

The six-month training course enables children to realistically master certain skills. It also provides them with stability, routine, and a sense of normalcy.

“I chose the tailoring course because I wanted to create things,” says Victoria.

After completing the course, she received a brand-new sewing machine and was connected with an experienced tailor. Today, she gets sewing jobs on her own.

“By supporting their release, recovery, and reintegration, we can help to rebuild their lives and give children like Victoria a chance at a hopeful future,” says Patricia Ngoroge, UNMISS Chief of Child Protection.

Today, as Victoria balances motherhood with her new vocation, she feels optimistic about the future.

She gazes at her son, smiling.

“I am a tailor now. I can make a different life for myself.”

**NAMES have been changed to protect the mother and her son.
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By Robin Giri