Roots of Resilience: Bedria Sadik’s Story from Crisis to Recovery

Sudan’s civil war, which began in April 2023, has caused a massive humanitarian crisis, displacing over 11.5 million people and forcing approximately 3.5 million to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Ethiopia, already grappling with its own internal displacement issues, has borne the brunt of this influx, welcoming over 90,000 Sudanese refugees.

Fleeing the Unthinkable

For 21-year-old Bedria Sadik, life in Sudan was once filled with hope for peace. A mother of two, she spent two years holding on to the belief that the war engulfing her country would end. But when peace failed to materialize, Bedria was forced to make a heartbreaking decision: to leave her home and start a perilous journey with her family.

Carrying her baby and holding her two-year-old child close, Bedria walked for two days under an unforgiving sun, with little food or water. “When we ran out of food, we started digging the ground in search of tuberous vegetables so that we could have something to ease our exhaustion,” she shared. Her priority was survival, but the hardships took a toll on her family, particularly her two-year-old child, Wodia Salah, who began losing weight rapidly.

A Lifeline at the Border

After their arduous journey, Bedria and her family arrived at Ethiopia’s Benishangul Gumuz Kumruk Reception Centre. There, GOAL’s dedicated team conducted health assessments for incoming refugees. It was during one of these routine checks that Wodia’s severe malnutrition was identified.

“A significant number of children arrive here exhausted and malnourished like Wodia, hence once his condition is known, we immediately began treatment and follow-up care”, shared Alemayehu Beri, GOAL’s project manager.

Healing and Recovery

GOAL provided essential care to Wodia and his family. This included life-saving therapeutic food, regular medical follow-ups, and counselling for Bedria and her husband.

Thanks to the intervention, Wodia made a remarkable recovery. He gained weight, his energy returned, and he began to thrive. “Now, he interacts with his family and plays like any healthy child his age,” Bedria noted with relief.

While the GOAL team remains dedicated to helping displaced families rebuild their lives, they acknowledge the immense challenges ahead. “We are here saving lives because of the generous funding we receive from the European Union Humanitarian Aid,” Alemayehu emphasized. “It is heartbreaking to see our neighbors displaced from their homes and peaceful lives. We hope the support will continue until the situation in Sudan calms down, allowing refugees like Bedria to return home,” Alemayehu concluded.