Hawa and her husband Isaac live in refugee camp Goz Amer with their five children. Hawa has been living in camp Goz Amer since its inception in 2003. She says, “Life is safer here. That’s why we stay.” 

A new food ration distribution system has been put in place by the World Food Programme in her camp. The system is based on vulnerability. The most vulnerable families get the most rations. “We have a white card, which means we are the poorest. We receive one sack of sorghum, some cereal, a bar of soap, and sometimes one cup of oil per person.” Hawa says her family typically eats two meals a day of porridge and dried fish. But Haphis—her five-year-old son attending a Little Ripples Pond near her home—gets three meals a day because of Little Ripples, she adds proudly. 

“I feel very comfortable and restful that my child goes to Little Ripples and receives knowledge and play. Before attending Little Ripples, he [Haphis] would do nothing in the morning. He did not get any preschool edcuation. He would just sit alone at home while I worked.” 

Hawa describes how his behavior has changed. “Before, he would sit alone and did not like to share with others. Now he hugs people and he is much more sociable and sharing. He tells me about the songs and the games he does at school each day.” 

Hawa expresses hope for education for Haphis and the rest of her children. “I see that if my children get educated, it is good for their life. Maybe one day they will be a teacher or director.”