Countries: South Sudan, Sudan Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies The transit centre around her has grown far beyond its original capacity. Built for around 1,000 to 2,000 families, it now shelters more than 8,000 people. Tents, mostly made of bedsheets and clothes, stretch across the dusty ground, packed tightly together, while children play football or jump rope in the spaces between them. To support her daughters, Esmiralda collects firewood which she sells to buy food. “Some days I earn just enough to buy a little flour or tea. Other days, there is nothing,” she says. A simple prayer For many families in the camp, finding even small sources of income can make the difference between eating and going hungry. To help families cope with these daily pressures, the South Sudan Red Cross provides cash assistance, with support from the IFRC. This support allows families to purchase food from the market or a tarpaulin to protect them from the harsh sunlight. Yet for Esmiralda, the daily life remains a constant struggle. Each morning, she returns to the forest to gather firewood. Between the rows of tents, children keep playing football and jumping rope in the dust. For mothers like Nawal and Esmiralda, these children are the reason to remain hopeful. “My prayer is simple,” Esmeralda says quietly, “that Sudan will be at peace again and that my children will one day know a life that is more than just survival.” For more information: Sudan: Complex emergency emergency appeal Sudan conflict: Two years on — a nation at the breaking point Statement: 'We are outraged that humanitarian workers continue to be killed across conflicts.' Statement - IFRC appalled by the killing of a Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer Credits: Photos and texts by Alexis Aubin in Chad and Daniëlle Brouwer in South Sudan Alexis Aubin is reporting from Chad as IFRC communications officers for Sudan and neighbouring countries and Daniëlle Brouwer reports from South Sudan