Healing children’s hearts through trauma-informed care in Ethiopia
When civil war tore through northern Ethiopia, everything in Hannah’s* world changed. The violence destroyed her home, and as she fled, she experienced another devastating trauma: witnessing her father’s murder.
Hannah was welcomed into SOS Children’s Villages in Bahir Dar, where her healing journey began.
“When Hannah joined our family, she couldn’t speak,” recalls Kassech, Hannah’s SOS mother. “She woke up breathing heavily and afraid she was going to die. She needs encouragement and assurance of her safety every day.”
Hannah’s experience is sadly not unique. In conflict-affected regions worldwide, countless children endure similar trauma, with effects that can last a lifetime.
Trauma-informed care supports children
“Children in crisis live in constant fear,” says Teresa Ngigi, Global Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Advisor at SOS Children’s Villages. Shock is the brain’s way of coping when the trauma is too much. Without someone to make them feel safe, the damage can be lasting.
Experiences linger in children’s memories and influence how they think, feel and grow, shaping their behaviour, development and wellbeing in profound ways.
At SOS Children’s Villages, trauma-informed care means recognizing the deep and lasting impact of trauma on children and responding with compassion. We focus on creating safe, stable environments and nurturing relationships that help children heal, build resilience, and regain a sense of hope and control over their lives.
Caregivers at the heart of healing
At SOS Children’s Villages, caregivers like Kassech are trained to help children recover from trauma. They rebuild trust and restore a sense of normalcy through consistent love and support. In addition to this compassionate care, children receive professional mental health counselling tailored to their needs.
Together, loving caregivers and trained mental health experts help children process painful experiences, support healthy development, and build the foundation for a brighter future.
Healing today, hope for tomorrow
For children living with trauma, their peace of mind isn’t the only thing at risk. If they don’t receive support, their potential to enjoy a healthy and productive future is threatened.
“They will try to protect themselves, putting all other faculties of development on hold because they are living in a state of emergency,” says Teresa.
Trauma left unaddressed can lead to harmful coping behaviours, like alcohol or substance use, or continued cycles of violence in adulthood. But with the right care, healing and a hopeful future are possible.
A new chapter for Hannah
Today, Hannah is reclaiming her childhood with the help of her nurturing caregiver and mental health support. She attends school and enjoys playing soccer and hide-and-seek with her SOS siblings and neighbours.
“The safer she feels, the more she overcomes her fears and finds new energy to learn and flourish,” says Kassech. “She sleeps better these days with no nightmares.”
Hannah is rediscovering the joy and safety every child deserves.
Thank you for helping SOS Children’s Villages deliver crucial care like safe homes, nutritious meals, education and emotional healing for children living in conflict-affected regions around the world.
*Name changed to protect privacy.