Rania’s Path: Turning Pain into Power

Ninewa, Iraq, 18 May 2024 - Rania, a 14-year-old girl from Al-Baaj District in Nineveh Governorate, experienced a tumultuous period. At the age of 4, her life took a drastic turn when ISIS seized control of her region in 2014, plunging her into a frightening reality. Two years later, in 2016, she lost her father and two uncles during the conflict, bringing additional tragedy to her and the family. Subsequently, her mother left to start a new life, leaving Rania and her brother to navigate a precarious existence marked by uncertainty and upheaval.

Rania and her grandmother, aunt, brother, and six cousins, were displaced. The family’s quest for safety led them to the HassanSham camp in Ninewa. All eight children, including Rania, were abandoned by their mothers. Despite the warmth that she received from her grandmother and aunt; the lingering scars of loss remained deeply embedded within Rania's heart.

"I was scared, always scared," Rania confided in a whisper memories continue to haunt her., "Even in the safety of the camp, fear lingered."

The sound of guns echoed in her mind, disrupting her sleep, and leaving her feeling perpetually isolated and anxious. Amidst the joyful chatter of other children surrounded by family, Rania remained on the outskirts, a solitary figure observing lives filled with parents’ love and warmth, which she longed for but had lost. With no friends to lean on, she found herself drifting further from her own family, seeking solace in the shadows of her own thoughts.

Healing with Psychosocial Support

One day, things changed. The Child Protection Center Mobile Team reached out to Rania’s grandmother. They introduced a protection center and its programmes. Encouraged by her grandmother, Rania decided to give it a try. There, she joined the psychosocial support sessions including the recreational activities, supported by UNICEF, and funded by the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. Led by dedicated social workers, these sessions made her feel better. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Rania, as she found solace and friendship at the center, starting to smile more and participate in activities outside of her home.

Encouraged by the unwavering support of the social worker, Payman, and the center's team, she found her voice, her confidence, and her purpose. "I did not expect to reach this stage," she admitted, reflecting on the profound impact of the center on her life.

"Now, I’m in Grade 6, and those support sessions have transformed my life," Rania added. "I attend these sessions daily, even before or after school sometimes. They have helped me bond with friends, enabled me to overcome my trauma, and boosted my confidence. My grades have improved a lot as well. These sessions are my secret saviour, and made my life and school easier,” added Rania with a smile.

Rania's message to other girls like her was clear: "I advise all those who are going through difficult times to seek help and support... The sessions that I participate in can transform lives."

Note: To protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals mentioned in this story, some of the names have been altered.