Janda is a 24-year-old Syrian refugee who selflessly volunteers as a health worker with UNICEF in Iraq. “I love babies and children," she says, "and I’m so happy to be able to help my people."
She was enrolled in nursing school when her family fled the Syrian conflict and hopes to one day finish her studies. Now in her new life as a UNICEF volunteer, Janda works with pregnant women and new mothers to provide prenatal and postnatal counseling and care.
Much of it takes place in UNICEF Baby Huts - safe spaces for pregnant women and new mothers to breastfeed in private, to receive counseling and to let their other children play while they tend to their babies. In 2016 alone, UNICEF will reach 434,000 children with health screening and treatment, as well as help 14,655 families buy essentials from local markets with direct cash transfers.
Learn more about Janda and UNICEF’s work for mothers and babies in Iraq.
14. And this Nigerian midwife who has kept working after Boko Haram forced her to leave home
After 38-year-old Aisha* was threatened by Boko Haram, she bravely went straight back to work. Now, she’s at a UNICEF-supported maternity ward helping other displaced women to give birth safely.
Now more than ever, UNICEF depends on volunteers like Aisha. With Boko Haram’s violence escalating in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, people like Aisha will help UNICEF reach 4.3 million children and families with emergency health care services this year.
* Not her real name.
Be there for children in crisis
It’s the tenacity of volunteers like Mohammed, Kinan and Janda that brings communities protection and hope during violent conflict. It’s the generosity of people like Darcia, Frode and Alec that helps children recover after they’ve fled violence.
And it’s the kind donations of UNICEF supporters that give our teams the supplies and support they need to continue their incredible work for children.
By making donating to the Refugee Children's Crisis appeal, you can help us:
- Meet urgent needs for health care, nutrition and education
- Give children safe spaces to play, learn and receive psychosocial support
- Be ready to respond with lifesaving aid as soon as emergencies strike
We need your help now more than ever. UNICEF is working to reach more children in more places but the global refugee crisis has stretched our teams and resources to the limit. For too many children, time is simply running out.