From conflict in Sudan to Safety: Taysire’s Story of Hope in a Chad Refugee Camp

By Mila Kimbuini , West Africa Regional Digital & Content Manager & Thierry Prince Bassigue, Communication Officer, World Vision Chad

Taysire hasn't lost her smile, however she hasn't forgotten what her family endured - or how they were forced to leave their home in Sudan because of the conflict. 

“We had everything, but now we have nothing. We fled because of the conflict,” says the 11-year-old, reflecting on her home country.

Getting used to her new life

Since the conflict erupted in Sudan in April 2023, families have been fleeing in search of safety.  According to UNHCR, the UN Refugee agency, nearly 4 million people are now living as refugees in neighbouring countries and beyond.

Taysire, her mother and her two siblings are among those families who have been forced to flee because of the crisis. They crossed the border on the 3 of June 2023.

'When we arrived here, we saw that Chad is peaceful and secure. That was my first reaction upon arriving in Chad,' she recalls.

At the border, families entering Chad are registered. Depending on the day, hundreds or thousands of people cross the border every day.

' When we arrived, some organisations offered us water, food and clothes because we had lost everything in Sudan. Then they drove us to Farchana', said Taysire.

The little girl tells us how difficult it was to adjust to her new reality as a refugee.

'They built this school. I go there to learn with my siblings and the children I met there. Things have changed for me. In Sudan, we had classrooms, but here we learn under trees. We don't have proper school supplies. At first, it was really difficult to get used to the environment and make friends. My life in Sudan was better. 'There, I had friends I grew up with. We went to school and played together,' she said sadly.

Taysire's regrets and worries stem from the change, but also from her family's particular circumstances. Her father does not live with them and her mother doesn't work to earn any money because she goes to a Koranic school.

But little by little, thanks to the efforts of various organisations and World Vision Chad, her life and that of her friends improved. They study, they are fed and they have access to clean drinking water every day.

' At break time, we don't go home. We eat a good meal at school and drink water. Before the water points were installed, we had to go home to get water. Now, we don’t have to go back home during break time anymore', says Taysire.

'My dream is to become a doctor,' Taysire declared boldly. She explained that, when they were entering Chad at the border, they saw lots of sick people, and some were even dying.

'I dream that peace returns to Sudan,' she added, smiling, but her eyes still expressed sadness.