Transforming refugee camps, one solar lamp at a time

Transforming refugee camps, one solar lamp at a time

For years, Sudan provided refuge to nearly one million refugees fleeing conflicts in neighbouring countries.

Today, despite the war, Sudan continues to host one of the largest refugee populations in Africa. For thousands of refugees, the journey home can be dangerous and many lack the money, or other means to travel safely to a neighbouring country. With severely limited options, staying in camps often offers a better chance of survival.

But life in Sudan's refugee camps is not without its challenges. For women and children in particular, simple daily tasks such as getting water from remote sources within the camp and walking to a latrine after sunset put them at increased risk of harassment and violence.

"One evening, I was walking along an unlit path and saw two men bothering a young girl. I pretended I knew her and called out. That made them back off. She ran home without saying a word. Later, I found out she was just trying to get to the toilets." Recounts one community member.

Rebecca James, Secretary of the Women's Union, knows these fears all too well "When we walk on the street, we are afraid. You might run into a criminal. They might hit you. From 5pm you start to feel afraid."

In Al Jabalain locality in White Nile state, the European Union is working with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) to improve safety and dignity for over 65,000 refugees in Alagaya and Dabat Bosin camps.

With 4.9 million in EU funding, DRC has worked with local refugee leaders and host communities to deliver essential interventions that make a real difference to the lives of refugees. One of the highest priorities was addressing the community's safety and dignity concerns. DRC installed 50 solar-powered lamps at key public sites, from police stations, hospitals and mosques to schools and latrine areas, increasing visibility at night and promoting a much-needed sense of security and dignity in the community.

"With these lights, children are now comfortable." said Rebecca James, Secretary of the Women's Union, "They can play and study. Elderly women can sit outside and enjoy themselves without worries or fears"

DRC has also restored 15 water points, making clean water more accessible to camp residents and reducing the need for women and children to make unsafe, long journeys to find water.

In addition to enhancing the safety, these interventions focused largely on building resilience for both refugees and host communities. By rehabilitating schools and equipping learning spaces, children from both groups were able to continue their learning together in safe spaces.

Refugees everywhere have fled their countries seeking safety for themselves and their families. Their options are often severely limited. Their presence is rarely a choice of comfort but a desperate struggle for survival.

These interventions are not only about restoring services, but they are about creating safe, inclusive environments where children can learn and vulnerable individuals can access the support and services they need to live in dignity.

In Sudan, the presence of South Sudanese refugees is a result of decades long struggle for survival and a sense of security. And in White Nile state, some security is coming back-one solar lamp, one rehabilitated school, one safe water point at a time.