Seeking Refuge: Alia's Journey from Sudan to Chad

When an armed conflict broke out in Sudan on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), thousands of people had to flee the country in search of safety. Today, more than a million Sudanese refugees are living in eastern Chad. Of these, over 604,000 have arrived since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023. Alia was one of them.

Alia is a 50-year-old Sudanese refugee. She lives in Ourang camp with her husband and four other family members. "I was a teacher in my village in Sudan, and this activity allowed me to take charge of myself," she said. But she had to leave "under live fire" for safety reasons. Once Alia and her family arrived at Ourang camp after a long and exhausting journey, they were provided with shelter by our member, Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

With the support of the Humanitarian Coalition and the government of Canada, Canadian Lutheran World Relief was able to provide emergency assistance to more than 588 households in the form of cash grants for shelter and household items such as clothing, blankets, bedding, stoves and kitchen sets, water containers, and hygiene products.

To meet emergency needs for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Canadian Lutheran World Relief also constructed 160 emergency latrines, installed 32 handwashing facilities and 80 showers, and rehabilitated 4 damaged boreholes. Waste bins were also installed, and water treatment products were distributed for public water sources. Canadian Lutheran World Relief also conducted hygiene awareness sessions and provided cleaning materials and hygiene products.

Overall, more than 31,039 people received some form of help and assistance.