In the village of Al Koom Al Ahmar, Ilaria lived as a little girl who spent her days on the streets, playing aimlessly and constantly skipping school. No one paid attention to her, neither at home nor outside, and she felt invisible. She had no friends, and no one understood her feelings or dreams. Studying was a burden, and the school was nothing but cold walls that she sometimes passed by without leaving a trace. No one noticed her absence, and no one asked her how she was. She was a lost child, searching for a place to belong, until the day came when everything changed.

One evening, Ilaria heard about a group called Transformational Community Development (TCD) being held in the village. Out of curiosity, and perhaps in search of something different, she decided to go. From the first moment, Ilaria felt something new. Someone was smiling at her, someone was calling her name, and someone was listening to what she said. In the TCD group, she wasn’t just a “street child”; she became Illaria—a child who everyone sees, who has value and importance.

During TCD classes, she learned about love, acceptance, and someone who knows and cares for her. She began to discover her potential, learn how to express herself, and become part of a real community. Over time, her life changed completely. She began to focus on her studies and attend school regularly. She made friends and always had a smile on her face. Ilaria today is a completely different person than the child who previously wandered the streets of Al Koom Al Ahmar.

TCD wasn’t just a group; it was a new beginning for a life filled with light and Hope.

Thank you,

Written by Kerstina and Bassem, GHNI TCD Workers