Also important for childhood development in the midst of conflict is providing support for
the psycho-social well-being of children. Currently, over 166,000 out of school children
are reached through 355 Children’s Spaces, where children can play free from violence
and conflict. UNICEF supports these programmes through training of teachers and
animators, provision of recreational materials and coordination/planning support.
• Also in 2005, UNICEF supported the demobilisation of 513 child soldiers from the SLA
fighting forces, out of which 213 are currently enrolled in schools. As a way to prevent
recruitment of child soldiers, UNICEF is focusing on ways to empower adolescents in the
IDP camps. During the May-August period, over 37 youth committees/clubs were
established in IDP camps, with the participation of 700 adolescents. In addition, over
850,000 youth participated in 39 football teams existing under IRC activities in North
Darfur, which have a component of youth management and leadership opportunities.