Girls Braid Ojonugwa’s Hair in An IDP Camp in Abuja
By Ojonugwa Yahaya and the IDP Children
The afternoon sun bathed the camp in a warm, golden light as I sat on a small stool, surrounded by a sea of eager faces. Today was a special day dedicated to sharing and bonding through a simple yet profound act—braiding hair.
I started the session by braiding the hair of some of the younger children. Their eyes sparkled with excitement as I twisted and turned their hair into intricate patterns. Each braid was accompanied by giggles and whispers, as they marveled at the attention and care they were receiving. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to them.
After I finished, it was my turn (making the hair of the hair maker). One of the girls, Aisha, a bright-eyed girl, took the lead. Her small fingers were deft and practiced, moving through my hair with the confidence of someone who had done this countless times. The other children gathered around us, forming a tight circle, each eager to take part in this shared experience. They chatted and giggled, their voices harmoniously blended with innocence and resilience. It was as if we were all weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and stories.
As Aisha braided, she began to share her story. She spoke of her family, of the life they once had, and of the journey that brought them to the camp. Her words were simple yet powerful, painting a picture of a world that had been turned upside down, but also of hope and dreams for a brighter future.
One by one, the children around me started to share their stories too. There was Alheri, who loved to sing and had a voice that could light up the darkest days. She sang a song her mother used to sing to her, and soon, the other children joined in, their voices blending in a beautiful, spontaneous chorus.
Next to me, Fatima spoke about her dreams of becoming a doctor. Her eyes sparkled with determination as she described how she wanted to help others, to heal and to bring comfort. Her words were met with nods and smiles, and for a moment, the camp was filled with a sense of collective aspiration.
The boys were not left out. Ahmed, who had a knack for storytelling, entertained us with tales of bravery and adventure. His stories were vivid and full of life, making us all laugh and forget our worries, if only for a little while.
As the afternoon wore on, the circle tightened, the stories continued to flow, and the connections deepened. We laughed, we sang, and we shared moments of silence, lost in the stories and the comfort of being together. In those moments, the camp transformed from a place of refuge to a place of community and love. As each child shared, their hands never stopped moving. They all contributed to braiding my hair, as their fingers worked together in a beautiful, coordinated dance. It was a communal effort, each one contributing to the beauty of the moment. Stories were woven into the braids, each one symbolizing a piece of their journey.
In the midst of this, I felt a profound sense of connection and community. These children, despite the hardships they had faced, were full of life and spirit. They had turned a simple act of hair-braiding into a tapestry of stories, songs, and dreams, weaving together their past, present, and hopes for the future.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the camp, I looked around at the smiling faces and felt a profound sense of empathy and gratitude. These children, amidst their struggles, had given me a gift far greater than I had ever expected. They had opened their hearts and let me into their world, showing me the power of resilience, hope, and togetherness.
In the center of the braids and the stories, I realized that the children had shared not just their skills, but their hearts and souls. And we were not just sharing our time—we were weaving a tapestry of hope and dreams, each thread a testament to the strength of the human spirit. And as I left the camp that day, I carried with me not just a beautifully braided hairstyle, but a heart full of love and inspiration and I knew that this experience would stay with me forever.
This story not only captures the essence of my experience but also highlights the resilience, hope, and communal spirit of the children in the IDP Camp.
Ojonugwa And Girls Braid Their Hair in An IDP Camp in Abuja 
