This is the story of Shatha, a young girl from Bani Mazar whose life took a gentle but profound turn. Before the change, she used to go to school without much care for her appearance, and she would sometimes throw papers on the ground without realizing the impact of such actions. She didn’t fully understand that respecting those older than her begins with the small behaviors of everyday life. When Shatha joined the Transformational Community Development (TCD) group, everything started to change. She found people who taught her the real meaning of commitment, cleanliness, and responsibility. She began to hear encouraging words that helped her respect herself and others and to take care of her school uniform and appearance each morning. She started waking up early, fixing her hair, and organizing her schoolbag with a new sense of discipline. The school became, in her eyes, a place worth protecting and keeping clean. A deeper sense of respect for elders grew within her, turning into a daily habit rather than just a lesson. And so, thanks to the TCD group, Shatha has become a shining example, carrying the values of Bani Mazar wherever she goes.

A new group has been opened for the women of Bani Mazar, and it quickly became clear how much these women truly need to learn and grow. Their needs span emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. They are eager to explore topics such as managing their children, caring for themselves, conserving their energy, facing fear and frustration, navigating daily challenges, and maintaining their health. This group is made up of truly remarkable women who listen with open hearts, embrace every lesson sincerely, and actively apply what they learn. They have a genuine passion for knowledge and a deep desire to change and improve many behaviors in their lives.

During one of the sessions, a mother began to cry and said honestly, “Life with my family, my husband, and my children is difficult. I want to be healed from the inside so I can deal with them and live a healthy, right life.” Her words touched everyone in the room, because her need is the same as so many women carrying burdens silently. This group has become a safe space where they can listen, understand, heal, and change step by step.

Thank you,

Written by Shery, GHNI TCD Worker