Beacon of Hope
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For the safety and security of the ERR members, all names in this story have been changed. Their courageous efforts and dedication remain real.
When the war broke out in Sudan in 2023, millions were forced to flee their homes, bringing with them pain and uncertainty. In the absence of an on-the-ground presence of much international aid, Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) and localization coordination council (LCC) became lifelines for those facing displacement and loss of livelihood. This article covers the period from August to December, highlighting the cities of Nyala and Kassala, where small kitchens transformed into life-saving platforms, bringing warmth and food to millions of suffering families.
Beyond the Rattle of Weapons
Amid the chaos, volunteers emerged as unsung heroes, working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring hope and resilience to communities. Their efforts may not make headlines, but they represent the true power of humanity in times of crisis. Volunteers from Nyala and Kassala tell the story of an unknown heroism, which will not make headlines or fill social media pages, but reveals the power of humanity within the emergency rooms in these cities
Nyala: A Network of Hope Growing Despite Crises
In Nyala, with the increasing number of displaced people and widespread hunger, the idea of «shared kitchens» emerged as a life-saving solution. In May 2024, the first shared kitchen was launched in a local school that housed around 200 students. Despite the simplicity of the meals provided, which were limited to lentils and pasta, their impact was profound. The number of students in the school rose from 90 to 500 within a few weeks, bringing life back to classrooms that had been nearly empty. The initiative quickly expanded. The initiative quickly expanded. By December 2024, Nyala had 13 shared kitchens serving daily meals to tens of thousands of needy families. Each kitchen relied on a $5,000 USD microgrant, which covered essential food supplies, cooking fuel, and stipends for volunteers. However, as the ERRs noted, these funds were only sufficient to sustain operations for 20-25 days each month, leaving gaps that required urgent additional support.
“The feeling
of helping someone who has lost all hope, seeing their
happiness and hearing their prayers for us, is a great
feeling that words cannot describe. Sometimes, I am so
moved that I cry from the depth of my emotions.”
Kassala: Relentless Challenges
In Kassala, the ERR team faced immense pressure to meet the needs of displaced families، during July and August 2024, when families were forced from their homes in Singa and Sinnar. The main kitchen operated around the clock to provide hot meals to families that had spent days without food. The work began as an immediate response to urgent needs in an unstructured manner, with food being distributed to the displaced without prior organization, which increased tension. However, thanks to the team›s efforts, an organized system was put in place to provide three meals a day, easing the burden on volunteers and improving workflow.
In early August, one poignant moment involved a pregnant woman who could not eat the meals provided. One of the volunteers recalls:
“A woman told me that her pregnant sister was not eating
the meals provided, as the meals caused her heartburn
and were difficult to digest due to her pregnancy.” The
food didn’t offer the necessary nutritional value for her
or her baby. Her sister asked if we could prepare a special
meal for her, so we decided to offer her white and red
meat along with vegetables. When we served the meal,
the pregnant woman burst into tears of joy after a long
period of hunger. That moment was one of the happiest
experiences I›ve ever had; I felt the true meaning of giving.”
Thanks to the team›s efforts, providing special meals for pregnant women became a key part of the initiative, significantly improving the health of pregnant women and protecting them from the complications of malnutrition.
The Human Impact and Success Numbers
The success of these initiatives was not by chance but the result of meticulous planning and dedicated teamwork. Between August and October 2024, over €500,000 was transferred to ERRs across six states, and the project produced remarkable results. More than 240,000 families received food assistance, benefiting approximately 656,000 individuals. These funds were carefully invested to provide food and aid. ERRs maintain a robust system for activity planning, budgeting, and accountability. ERR volunteers prepare detailed documents that outline activity specifics, objectives, and budgetary requirements. If agreed by the community, the funds are transferred to the volunteer finance office for immediate implementation. The logistics office works collaboratively to make the process accountable and effective. They assess the market to identify cost-effective suppliers and purchase supplies for balanced meals. This effort is supported by a network of people who streamline the process by identifying beneficiaries, negotiating fair prices, and prioritizing team safety at every step.
Ongoing Challenges
Sudan faces escalating crises due to ongoing conflicts, economic blockades, and widespread displacement, exacerbating the food insecurity crisis that has affected the population as a result of decades of systematic impoverishment. By late September 2024, approximately 24.3 million people were suffering from severe hunger, with famine recorded in North Darfur and Western Nuba Mountains, according to the World Food Program (WFP). Amid these challenges, Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) and Local Community Committees (LCCs) emerged as tireless actors meeting the needs of displaced people and host communities, especially in states like Khartoum, Blue Nile, Sennar, and West Kordofan, where between 60% and 69% of the population suffers from severe food insecurity. Despite the success of these initiatives, they faced significant challenges, such as rising food prices, security risks, and the detention of some volunteers. However, the teams continued their work with determination, believing in their mission to create positive change in the lives of the affected.
Lessons Learned
Working in emergency rooms was not just about providing aid but establishing a system based on sustainable planning, responsibility, and the spirit of giving. Abdullah, a volunteer in the Kassala Youth Emergency Response Room, says:
“Through my work in the service office, I learned to
understand the dynamics of both the internal and external
communities and how to coordinate with partners to
ensure the continuity of support. I benefited greatly
from various training workshops, which developed my
skills in crisis management, working under pressure, and
effectively distributing tasks. This experience taught me
how to face major challenges with a team spirit and how
to stay calm amid a crisis, making sure every step we take
is carefully considered.”
A Journey Toward a Sustainable System
The story of the Emergency Response Rooms began as unorganized local community initiatives distributing simple meals to meet the urgent needs of affected families. Over time, these efforts evolved into structured shared kitchens operating systematically to provide food and healthcare on a larger scale. These kitchens were not merely about distributing meals—they became symbols of humanity in its purest form, offering dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging to those who had lost everything. By preparing balanced meals that cater to the most vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and children, these initiatives ensured that no one was left behind in their struggle for survival. Coordination expanded to the national level, securing and distributing resources in an organized, institutionalized manner, improving efficiency and guaranteeing sustained support amid escalating crises.
“I hope Sudan achieves
sustainable economic and social development that meets the
aspirations of the ambitious youth, strengthening national
unity and reinforcing values of cooperation and respect.”
“I wish that all
emergency response rooms across Sudan continue to
support and provide aid to the suffering citizens.”
The tireless work of the ERRs exemplifies the power of collective action and resilience, turning crisis into an opportunity for long-lasting change. In a world where conflict often erases the voices of the suffering, these efforts stand as a testament to the unwavering spirit of communities determined to rebuild, one meal at a time, one life at a time. Their story is not just one of survival, but of humanity reclaiming its strength in the face of despair.
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