Fifteen-year-old Jumana participated in our Transformation Community Development (TCD) program and said, “I am going through very difficult circumstances. My father entered a drug rehabilitation center, and my brother went to prison because of bad friends and drugs. Our only source of income was when our father worked as a carpenter. Now, we are facing many challenges and problems, including financial needs, loneliness, and psychological needs. Our reputation has become very bad among our neighbors. These circumstances are enough to destroy any girl at this age, but I found the training team and the community committee who embraced me, encouraged me, and stood by me with psychological and material support. I began seeing myself as successful, distinguished, clever, and loved, and this is because I do not only live to learn, but I live among a family, and you are my big family. Thank you, GHNI team.”

We taught lessons in the TCD women’s group, and Umm Malak participated. “I have grandchildren, and they are very dear to me, but I see extreme violence in how my children are treating my grandchildren. I was hesitant to interfere in their lives and personal matters, but with the passage of time and through the lessons I heard in the TCD group about raising children, I began to share with my children what I learned. I told them they should cheer their children up with nice words and care and also answer their questions without anger. My children began to get closer to their children and listen to them, and their lives became beautiful without any violence or problems. There are now strong bonds between grandparents, children, and grandchildren that make everyone happy.”

Written by Azmy, GHNI TCD Worker