Irene was always sitting at the end of the row, not because the place was comfortable, but because she was used to being last. Child number seven amidst her brothers, she was used to being forgotten before she was noticed and neglected before asking for anything. Irene grew up hearing an internal voice whispering, “You’re less, worthless, aimless.” No one was waiting to celebrate her successes, and no one missed her when she was absent. She felt inferior, small, and superfluous.

On a normal day, Irene entered the Transformational Community Development (TCD) class, but something unusual happened. She heard words she had never heard before, “You are loved.” “You have value.” “Your existence is intended.” For the first time, someone looked at Irene and saw what was inside her, not her number among her brothers. She began to care about her studies, raised her head, and dreamed. The world around her didn’t change immediately. But her heart changed.

Irene made a simple decision that changed her life—to believe the truth, not the old voice in her head. To live knowing that she is loved and she was not created by chance. Since that day, Irene is no longer the outcast child—she is the child who found her worth.

Thank you,

Written by Fady, Kerstina, & Bassem, GHNI TCD Workers