Mazahir is many things: a nurse, a poet, a mother, an avid reader…and an internally displaced person. When violence erupted in Khartoum last spring, she was one of the millions of people shocked by the sudden civil war. Like so many others, her peaceful life was completely upended by the conflict. Today, she and her family live in one of the refugee camps Medical Teams serves.

Read on for more of Mazahir’s story of resilience. You’ll be inspired by her commitment to caring!

Meet Mazahir

Mazahir is from Khartoum. She has fond memories of growing up in the city. Before the war began, she and her husband lived peacefully in a quiet neighborhood with their young daughter. Mazahir, a nurse, was just beginning her specialization in surgical nursing.

Mazahir wistfully describes her interests, saying,

“I love reading books, and I also write poetry. I’m always eager to learn something new — I feel the biggest joy whenever I learn something new.”

But then, overnight, everything changed. Bombs fell near their home. Then, the military attacked. Staying was impossible. She describes how they left in a panic, leaving most of their possessions behind. They traveled to Gezira, then on to Gedaref, passing through many security checkpoints.

“I was looking for a job to help people and support my family,” Mazahir says, as soon as they got settled in Gedaref. “But I couldn’t secure one because I lost all my certificates during my displacement journey.”

Mazahir’s experience isn’t uncommon. Often, when people are displaced, they’re forced to make the decision to leave home so quickly they don’t have time to grab even essentials. They leave with their loved ones and the clothes on their backs. Still, Mazahir – just like many of the people we serve – was eager to give back and use her skills to help others.

Serving with Medical Teams

Though she was unable to officially register as a nurse, Mazahir met Medical Teams. After she applied to become a community health worker, she quickly became an invaluable part of the team. Her friendly, enthusiastic nature helped her connect to her fellow displaced countrymen. Mazahir held health awareness sessions, helping people improve their hygiene practices in the crowded camp. She also helped improve morale, supporting those who were struggling to adjust.

But still, Mazahir wanted to do more.

She says,

“I felt good because I was able to support people and help them, but I also felt that I could do more and help more.”

When an acute diarrhea outbreak erupted, Mazahir got the opportunity to serve more people. When Medical Teams established an emergency response to the outbreak — acute diarrhea can be fatal for people because of the extreme dehydration — she began working at the Oral Rehydration Point. Now, she helps dehydrated people, especially children, receive the important fluids they need to recover.

Today, she feels like she’s slowly rebuilding the life she lost to the war in Khartoum. Her warmth and kindness haven’t been diminished by her struggle. That’s in part because of her role with Medical Teams.

Mazahir says, “Without joining and working for Medical Teams, I think it would be very hard. I feel very good now because I can help people.”

“Keep pushing forward”

The war in Sudan has displaced nearly 8 million people within Sudan. That’s an impossibly high number to fathom. But each person in that million has a story like Mazahir does. They have their own dreams, lives, and desires.

Mazahir hopes more than anything for an end to the war. She says, “I hope the war is going to end very soon, and people will be able to go back to their homes.” But until then, she has another message of encouragement for her fellow displaced people.

Mazahir says,

“I want to say to people: please stay connected to your dreams and keep fighting for the best. Keep pushing forward, and never stop dreaming.”

They’re wise words from anyone, but especially from someone like Mazahir. She’s overcome so much, and still has an indomitable spirit.

If you’d like to support a displaced person like Mazahir, join The Pulse! This community of compassionate monthly givers shows up with heart to care for our global neighbors day in and day out.

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Lauren Hobson
Copywriter & Editor