Amina’s Journey to Safety

Thirteen-year-old Amina arrived at the Temporary Reception Center Lipa from Syria after a long, exhausting, and uncertain journey. She had left behind her home, her childhood, and her sense of safety. Through an unfortunate chain of events, she was separated from her parents and continued her journey with a family she had met in Turkey, carrying with her only one hope—to reach Slovenia, where her older brother was waiting for her.

“I was very scared when I was separated from my parents. Every night I wondered if I would ever see them again. I just wanted to be with someone I knew and to reach my brother,” Amina shared during her conversations with World Vision staff upon her arrival at reception center Lipa.

Although still a child, Amina spoke about continuing her journey to Slovenia through irregular routes, unaware of the many dangers such travel entails. The family she was traveling with, as well as her mother—whom the team spoke with by phone—were deeply concerned. Amina experienced frequent panic attacks, and fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty further aggravated her condition.

World Vision team conducted a comprehensive assessment through a series of conversations and careful monitoring. The assessment focused on Amina’s age, her separation from her parents, exposure to serious risks along irregular migration routes, and psychological difficulties that made it harder for her to cope with stress and the unknown.

“Our priority was to ensure that Amina felt safe, heard, and respected. It was important for her to know that she was not alone and that no decision would be made against her best interests,” emphasized Anes Nuspahić, guardian.

During her stay at TRC Lipa, Amina received continuous psychosocial support, regular conversations with trained staff, and a safe and stable environment. Special attention was given to maintaining contact with her family—especially her mother and brother—as these conversations were a vital source of strength and reassurance for her.

“It meant so much to me to have someone to talk to and to know that someone cared about me,” Amina said. “Now I am looking forward to being reunited with my brother. I would like to go back to school and one day become a teacher.”

When her brother finally arrived, Amina safely left the reception center accompanied by her family. Until that moment, the support, patience, and sense of safety she received helped her release some of her fear and begin to believe again that a future lay ahead of her.

Amina’s case is a powerful reminder of how essential timely, professional, and compassionate support is for children on the move. Through protection, care, and the presence of adults who listen and understand, it is possible to ease traumatic experiences and help children rediscover hope, strength, and faith in their dreams.

With the EU support under the project “Individual Measure to Strengthen Management Systems of Irregular Migration and Fight Against Organised Crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, and through available protection services implemented by UNICEF and partner World Vision, children like Amina are given the opportunity to overcome hardship, rediscover their potential, and believe in a better future.

*Children's names are fictitious to protect their privacy.