In a small village called Al Koom Al Ahmar, there lived a boy named Marco who was different from the other children—not because he was special, but because he was withdrawn from everything. Marco didn’t care much about himself—not emotionally, not socially, not even morally. He spent most of his time alone. He didn’t play with anyone, didn’t share words or thoughts, and his home was his only world, where silence was his truest friend.

One day, he received an invitation to attend a program called Transformational Community Development (TCD). At first, he didn’t care, but eventually, he decided to go. He sat silently in the back row, as usual, until the program leader started a session titled “Creativity.” The talk was different this time. The leader said, “Creativity doesn’t need expensive tools. Creativity begins inside the heart.”

Then, something unexpected happened—something no one, not even Marco himself, could have imagined. While everyone was sharing small ideas, Marco surprised them all. He began writing simple handmade signs on pieces of paper. They contained powerful phrases: Success—Excellence—Willpower—Never Giving Up. His words were honest, inspiring, and beautifully written in a way that caught everyone’s attention. The leader smiled and said in front of everyone, “Marco, you’re a true creative.”

From that moment, everything changed. Marco, who used to sit alone, began to sit among friends. Marco, who never spoke, began to share. Marco, who had withdrawn from life, became an inspiration to others. His life transformed from lonely silence to living connection, and it all began with a simple sign written by a boy who once thought he had no worth, only to discover the treasure hidden deep within himself.

Thank you,

Written by Fady, GHNI TCD Worker