A Journey of Strength and Resilience: Begard’s Story

In a small home in Chamchamal district, Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Begard Ayub greets each day with determination. At 33, Begard is a mother of five—two daughters and three sons, aged between 9 and 15. Her life has been a continuous struggle to support her husband and provide for her children. Yet, her journey is one of transformation, resilience, and hope.

“Life is difficult, and expenses are high,” she explains. “I’ve always worked to support my family, but it hasn’t been easy.” Despite the hardships, Begard’s  courage and determination shine through.

Hard Work and Endurance

For years, Begard worked tirelessly, baking bread and cleaning sheep’s heads and trotters —known as Pacha—for local residence to earn a living. “My hands used to ache from the work,” she recalls. “But I kept going because I had no other choice.”

Despite the pain, a dream lingered in her heart. “I always wanted to learn sewing,” she says, her eyes lighting up. “I imagined myself stitching clothes and creating something beautiful. But every time I found a training session; I couldn’t afford it. I felt stuck.”

A Life-Changing Opportunity

One day, Begard heard from neighbors about the Child Protection Center in Chamchamal. Operated by the Directorate of Labour and Social Affairs of Sulaymaniyah Governorate and funded by the French Committee, and the German Development Bank – KfW, offered free sewing courses and parenting sessions. It felt like a beacon of hope to Begard.“I decided to give it a try,” she said with a smile. “It felt like stepping into a new world, I didn’t know anything about sewing or cutting fabric, but the staff welcomed me like family. They didn’t just teach me—they believed in me.”

Stitching Together Confidence and Hope

Over the course of three sewing classes, Begard turned her dream into a reality. With borrowed money, she bought a sewing machine and began taking on small jobs from neighbors. “Work gave me more than just an income,” she says. “It gave me pride and confidence. For the first time, I felt like I could provide for my children in a way I never could before. It also proved to me that I could change my path.”

The center also offered something she didn’t expect—emotional and psychological support. Alongside the parenting programme, the center provided Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services for both children and caregivers. Through individual and group sessions, Begard learned how to recognize and manage stress, communicate more effectively with her children, and build a nurturing home environment. She received guidance on positive parenting techniques, conflict resolution, and emotional control, helping her foster stronger bonds with her children. Meanwhile, her children participated in structured psychosocial activities, including creative play, storytelling, and group discussions, which helped them process their emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. These sessions not only supported their emotional well-being but also strengthened their sense of security and stability.

“My children now see a stronger version of me,” she says proudly. “I’ve learned how to support them not just financially, but emotionally too.”

A Place for Families to Thrive

The Child Protection Center became more than a training facility for Begard. It became a second home. “Each month, I met 20 other women,” she says. “We shared our stories, laughed, cried, and encouraged each other. It made me feel less alone.”

Her children also flourished at the center, attending free classes in English and Arabic, playing with friends, learning life skill, and benefiting from Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services, which provided them with a safe space to express their emotions, learn to be resilient, and develop coping skills. “Their school performance has improved, and they’re more confident,” she says. “It’s everything I wanted for them.” Begard adds, her voice thick with gratitude, “When I was a child, my father didn’t send me to school because we were poor. Now, my children have opportunities I never had.”

A Future Filled with Possibility

Today, Begard dreams of continuing her journey and building a better future for her children. “I’m grateful for this center,” she says, her voice filled with emotion. “It’s not just a place to learn; it’s a place to grow, to feel seen, and to feel capable.”

Supported by UNICEF and funded by with generous fund from the French Committee, and the German Development Bank - KfW the Child Protection Center in Chamchamal provides practical skills and emotional support for mothers like Begard and their children.

“This place gave me and my children a second chance,” Begard says. “Now, I believe in the future, and I believe in myself. Anything feels possible.”