Abu Al Gasim, a young man from a rural African Sudanese family in the villages surrounding Al-Abassiya locality in South Kordofan State (SKS), has endured a lifetime of hardship. Selected by Peace Cushion Voluntary Organization (PCVO) to participate in a trauma awareness and healing session funded by the DT-I-SIDA (BIPS) project, Abu Al Gasim’s story exemplifies resilience and the transformative power of community support.
The Displacement and Losses
Abu Al Gasim and his family were displaced due to the devastating conflict between the RSF and SAF forces in the surrounding villages of Um-Rowaba and Jabal Al Daire/Jabal Kordofan. Forced to flee their home near the borders of North Kordofan, they settled in a gathering point for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Al-Abassiya locality.
Before the displacement, Abu Al Gasim had already faced profound personal loss. At the age of 16, while pursuing his secondary education, he lost his beloved father to cancer. This event marked the beginning of a series of life-altering challenges. His father’s illness took him from their remote village to Madani in Al-Jazeera State, where he sought treatment while staying with Abu Al Gasim’s elder brother. Despite the family’s efforts, the father’s health rapidly deteriorated.
Reflecting on this moment, Abu Al Gasim recounted the heart-wrenching experience of traveling to Madani to fulfill his father’s dying wish of seeing him one last time. His father’s final words were a plea to his elder brother to take care of Abu Al Gasim.
A Second Tragedy and the Spiral into Isolation
Life under his elder brother’s care initially provided comfort and stability. His brother not only treated him with kindness but also ensured that he continued his education, even funding his university studies. However, tragedy struck again. Abu Al Gasim’s brother was diagnosed with the same illness that claimed their father. Witnessing his brother’s rapid decline mirrored the pain of his father’s loss and plunged Abu Al Gasim into a deeper state of despair.
Unable to cope with the grief, Abu Al Gasim withdrew from university and isolated himself from his community. He returned to his village, where he lived in solitude, consumed by feelings of darkness and despair. This isolation continued even after the family’s displacement to Al-Abassiya, further compounding his emotional struggles.
A Turning Point: Trauma Awareness and Healing Sessions
The turning point in Abu Al Gasim’s life came when he was selected to participate in PCVO’s six-day trauma awareness and healing program. Led by Dr. Salwa Dawaldait and her team, the sessions created a supportive space for Abu Al Gasim and 25 other participants to confront their trauma, share their experiences, and begin the journey toward healing.
Abu Al Gasim described the profound impact of the training, saying it felt like being freed from a locked box he had lived in for years. The sessions helped him reconnect with his family, friends, and community, breaking the cycle of isolation that had defined his life. He now feels empowered to engage with those around him, listen to their stories, and rebuild his relationships.
Gratitude and Hope
Abu Al Gasim expressed deep gratitude to the PCVO team and everyone who contributed to the success of the training. “This opportunity has truly transformed my life,” he said, “I am now able to look forward to the future with hope and reconnect with my community.”
This story highlights the critical role of psycho-social support programs in addressing the needs of individuals affected by displacement and trauma. It also underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of creating safe spaces for healing and renewal.
