Seven-year-old Issa lives with his parents and seven siblings in a small, makeshift room covered with insulation, barely protecting them from the harsh cold of winter or the scorching summer heat. Like many families in the area, Issa’s family endures extreme poverty, which severely impacted the boy’s life. Among the many unmet needs, Issa desperately required prescription glasses to correct his poor vision.
A Child’s Struggles Amid Poverty and Bullying
Issa’s weak eyesight prevented him from fully participating in daily school activities with his peers. He often tripped and struggled to distinguish objects, making him a target for bullying. His classmates mocked him for his poor vision, as well as for the old, torn clothes he wore. Without a school bag or new notebooks, Issa felt ashamed and defeated.
Over time, Issa began skipping school, unable to bear the constant ridicule and hurtful remarks he faced each day. Instead, he stayed home, isolating himself, which frustrated his father. Unable to understand his son’s struggles, his father resorted to scolding and punishing Issa for skipping classes.
A Life-Changing Encounter
One day, during a field visit by the Atmeh Community Center team, part of the Syria Relief and Development (SRD) organization, they met Issa and learned about his hardships. The center, which focuses on providing psychosocial and emotional support for children and their families, immediately took steps to help him. “We saw the sadness in Issa’s eyes from the moment we met him—it was clear he urgently needed emotional and social support,” shared one of the team members.
Issa was welcomed at the center, where he received psychological first aid and counseling sessions to improve his mental well-being. In addition, awareness sessions were conducted for his parents on the importance of psychological support for children and how to adopt a more positive approach to parenting.
“We saw the sadness in Issa’s eyes from the moment we met him—it was clear he urgently needed emotional and social support,” shared one of the team members.
Medical Intervention and Holistic Support
The center’s assistance went beyond psychological care. Issa was referred to Al-Hidaya Hospital for a comprehensive medical evaluation. Following the examination, he received prescription glasses tailored to his needs, as well as new clothes and a school bag filled with essential supplies.
These changes sparked a transformation in Issa. With his newfound confidence, he returned to school after a long absence and began engaging with his classmates without fear. Smiling, Issa shared:
“I couldn’t see well, and my friends laughed at me. I stopped going to school. But after you helped me see clearly and gave me new clothes, I started loving school again. My friends stopped laughing at me, and now I play and have fun like them.”
The Impact of Support on Issa and His Family
Issa’s case manager at the Atmeh Community Center spoke about the efforts made to support the boy:
“His case was very sensitive. We provided psychological first aid and connected him with the center’s child-friendly space. We also escalated his needs to the organization to ensure he received glasses, clothing, and school supplies.”
Issa’s mother expressed her deep gratitude for the support, saying:
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made my child happy. He wore new clothes for Eid, got glasses to see clearly, and now he plays without tripping. He goes to school happy every day.”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made my child happy. He wore new clothes for Eid, got glasses to see clearly, and now he plays without tripping. He goes to school happy every day.”
A Journey of Hope and Transformation
With this support, Issa’s life changed dramatically. He returned to school with renewed enthusiasm and regained his self-confidence. No longer feeling ashamed or isolated, he now plays with his friends, his face lit with a bright smile. His story represents a journey from pain to hope, demonstrating how even modest humanitarian interventions can profoundly impact the life of a child and their family.
The Atmeh Community Center continues to provide its services to children and families in the surrounding areas, striving to create positive and lasting change for displaced and vulnerable populations.
