Coping with trauma in a child-friendly space
Ravy attends classes at a child-friendly space every morning, playing and drawing with her cousin and other children. She is attending sessions with a counsellor and receiving advice and support after her experience.
The journey to safety
Ravy is 9 years old and was studying in grade 4 at a school in a border town in northwestern Cambodia. She was evacuated from her house on the 10th of December 2025.
“At that time, I was studying when suddenly we heard the sound of guns and bombs. My teacher told everyone to leave immediately. I was frightened and wanted to cry.” recalled Ravy.
Ravy described her journey to safety: “While traveling to the safe place, we heard loud noises and saw many people running.”
“I saw some families running with trackers and others on scooters with small children sitting in front. Babies were crying, and we could hear shouting. Go! Go!”
Ravy continued explaining that her family first arrived in Srey Snom district on the 10th of December 2025. A few days later, bombs started falling nearby, so they moved to a displacement camp in the next district.
She was deeply traumatised and wanted to be alone. “I dreamed that I was shot. I was frightened and couldn’t sleep,” explained Ravy.
Studying and recuperating
Under a tent, Ravy reads a book with her cousin to avoid forgetting her lessons.
“At first, when I heard about the child-friendly space, I wondered what it was. I asked my cousin to go with me to see,” recalled Ravy. “We stood outside the class and watched other children doing fun activities. One of the teachers invited us to join, I felt happy and relieved.”
In the afternoon, she attends a temporary primary learning class. “I am delighted and feel relaxed after joining the child-friendly space,” Ravy shared, “But I also want to go back home as I miss my pets, my teachers, my class and my friends. I hope we can return soon.”
Our intervention
With support from Smart Axiata, Plan International Cambodia and its partner, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO), a child-friendly space and counselling room were established in the camp where Ravy now lives to support displaced children and people. These spaces allow children to engage in creative and recreational activities for emotional well-being. Psycho-education sessions are also organised for children and parents/caregivers. Ravy now attends these sessions.
Categories: Emergencies
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