At the health center at Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp, there’s a space dedicated to counseling – for people who have experienced traumas, and for people dealing with serious mental illnesses. When parents come to the center, they often bring their kids. But, there’s nowhere for the kids to go, nothing for them to do, during the session.
Ameang, the counselor in charge of services, wanted to make a change. She told us that she could really use some toys for the kids, something that they might play with so that their parents can speak more freely. “It would also be great for the kids who come with mental illnesses,” she said. It would be a pathway for them to engage.
So for Day 164, we decided there was something we could do.
We bought books, blocks, puzzles, and games for the kids. And then we set to creating a kid-friendly space in the counseling center, a place where all kids can feel comfortable – and have some fun!
“This will be really supportive for all the children who come here,” said Ameang. “And it will boost up their happiness while being with their family – it’s a chance to play with toys.”
