“You saved my son’s life!” Haneen, one of the women in the community, exclaimed to us with tears in her eyes. She is a mother of two young boys, Ahmad and Laith. Recently, when Laith, her 2-year-old, began to choke on something he had swallowed, Haneen remained calm and composed in the face of what could have been a terrifying emergency. Thanks to the first aid training she had received at a Transformational Community Development (TCD) workshop led by a group of Iraqi youngsters at the House of Ruth, Haneen knew exactly what steps to take. The training taught her how to act when someone is choking, having a stroke, or bleeding. With no hesitation, she applied the techniques she had learned, saving her son’s life in that critical moment.

Haneen shared her experience with us, explaining how the knowledge she gained from the first aid course made all the difference. In the past, she would have panicked in such a situation, but now, she was able to act with confidence and clarity. She credited the training with giving her the peace of mind to handle the emergency without fear, knowing exactly what to do to help her son. The workshop, intended to empower women in the community, had truly equipped her with life-saving skills, and Haneen’s gratitude and relief were evident as she shared her story. This powerful experience showed just how life-changing access to such knowledge can be, providing not only practical skills but also a sense of security and self-assurance in times of crisis.

Thank you!

Written by Rosine, GHNI Project Manager