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Terre des hommes continues its efforts for refugees on the road

by Terre des hommes | Terre des hommes (Tdh) - Switzerland
Monday, 21 December 2015 09:35 GMT

* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.

When children see the toys and coloured chairs outside the Terre des hommes (Tdh) caravan on the Serbo-Croatian border, they run towards it. Hadi, a four-year-old boy from Syria, shows staff his jacket, which has a broken zip. A young psychologist gives him a new coat. Hadi has been travelling for 10 days with his family. His father asks how far away Germany is. After taking a few minutes to relax and play, the family sets off in better spirits.

In October and November 2015, Tdh and local partners (Open Gate La Strada in Macedonia and Novi Sad Humanitarian Centre in Serbia) worked tirelessly to provide emergency assistance to thousands of families entering Europe.

Warm clothing to resist harsh winter

In the Balkans, the weather is growing colder by the day. Some children barely have enough clothing. Distributing warm clothing is essential to ensure refugees are able to face the winter and difficult travelling conditions.

Tdh's partners have distributed over 6,000 items of clothing. Priority has been given to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those travelling with young children. Most families need shoes, blankets, winter coats, raincoats, hats, socks and gloves.

Hygiene products for mothers, young girls and babies

Over 6,500 hygiene products have been distributed to women, young girls and children. This includes sanitary towels, women and children’s underwear, nappies, baby wipes, soap and backpacks to carry everything in.

Games and psychological support

In the Tdh caravan, children are able to play with toys to escape the harsh reality of life on the road – if only for a few minutes. A special area has been set aside for mothers, who are often exhausted. They are able to rest, breastfeed and change baby's nappy.

Tdh's team includes qualified psychologists and social workers. Since October, nearly 400 psychological first aid consultations have targeted mothers, who are anxious for their children.

Never give up hope

Tdh continues to provide essential humanitarian aid to thousands of families on the road. Thanks to the mobile unit and caravan, teams are very flexible and can travel to where they are needed most.

A 24-hour roster has been implemented. Activities must continue day and night to ensure mothers and children who cross the Serbian and Macedonian borders overnight also receive psychological and material support.

We are continuing our fundraising efforts so we can keep supplying humanitarian services through winter. Thank you so much for your support.

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