Torodi, in Niger’s Tillabéri region, faces persistent insecurity, armed attacks, and forced displacement, severely affecting children through disrupted schooling, psychological stress, and lack of safe spaces. To support them, World Vision Niger’s project “Integrated Emergency & Recovery Assistance to Conflict-Affected Populations” established the “Child-Friendly Space” in Torodi, providing a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment. Children like 14-year-old Ousmane and 10-year-old Sadiya rediscover joy, play diverse games, and interact with peers from different neighborhoods, including displaced children. The center also promotes learning, social cohesion, and awareness. Monitors, trained by World Vision in child management, mental health, first aid, and game facilitation, supervise small groups and ensure regular participation of over 300 children. The “Friends of Children” space has become an emotional and social refuge, helping children cope with insecurity, rebuild psychologically, develop social skills, and reclaim aspects of their childhood. Through this initiative, World Vision fosters hope, resilience, and solidarity, giving children in Torodi a safe place to play, learn, and grow despite ongoing challenges.

Empowering Africa’s Children: World Vision Presents Child‑Friendly AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

A society that allows children to go to bed hungry violates not only economic logic, but basic human rights.

Juma Ignatius, Senior Policy Advisor, Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Management, brings our attention to the recent Mozambique floods that are often framed as natural disasters, but in reality, it is a story of global inequality, climate inaction and decades of neglect paid for by children who did nothing to cause the crisis. As emergency aid is repeated and preparedness is ignored, based on the negotiations within the UNFCCC spaces, Juma argues that without a shift to Disaster Risk Reduction, Anticipatory Action and climate-resilient development, disasters will continue to steal childhoods.

Finding Friends, Missing Home: Lita’s Story