According to his mother, four-year-old Usman used to be like every other young boy always running around and getting into trouble. But now he is agitated and upset, crying whenever he hears a loud noise.
Usman’s family fled their village in Buner one month ago when it was attacked. They went to stay with relatives but have since moved to a school in Mardan that has been converted into a makeshift camp.
Usman’s parents were unable to take anything with them when they left their village so Usman and his five siblings only have the clothes they are wearing. His father Meer Said is unable to make a living and like other displaced families they are completely reliant on aid and the generosity of the local community.
Nowhere to play
The conditions in the camp are very difficult with severe overcrowding and access to food, water or healthcare is very limited. The children have nowhere and nothing to play with and none of them are going to school. Getting back into these routine activities will be crucial if children are to overcome their traumatic experiences.
Usman’s mother Jamila explained that since they fled Usman has changed completely. He starts crying and screaming when he hears the sounds of planes or helicopters and refuses to play with any of the other children in the camp.
A changed boy
Jamila said, “His father tries to soothe and comfort him when he starts to scream and cry, but nothing seems to work. I am so worried about him. Although he is breathing and walking, he doesn’t talk anymore and he hardly eats.”
“Usman used to be naughty and hyper like other children his age. Now he won’t play and just sits not saying anything. I feel his future has been ruined and I don’t know if anyone can help bring my little boy back to me.”
Overcoming trauma
Usman is one of thousands of children reportedly suffering from trauma as a result of the conflict in North West Pakistan. Up to 80 per cent of those displaced by the conflict are children. Around 70 per cent are traumatised.
Many of these children have witnessed conflict and the destruction of their homes and villages. They have had to leave behind everything that was familiar to them and are now living in difficult circumstances in camps or with local families.
To help traumatised children like Usman, Islamic Relief is setting up a programme to provide counselling and psychosocial support. We are setting up 26 Mercy Centres that will provide children with education facilities, a safe place to play as well as food and healthcare. Psychologists will also be working out of these centres, providing children with specialist support to help them deal with the trauma they have experienced.