Rediscovering hope, confidence and a future in education

Amina · name changed

Amina’s childhood was affected by violence at home. Fear and emotional distress undermined her confidence, friendships and concentration at school. A relative later took responsibility for her care.

At a NOCAPAD community dialogue, she heard facilitators discuss emotional violence, neglect, child abuse and harmful social norms. For the first time, she understood that the violence she had experienced was neither normal nor her fault.

The discussion created space for her to speak and be heard with compassion. NOCAPAD linked her to psychosocial support. Counselling helped her develop ways to cope with painful memories and rebuild her self-esteem.

Amina describes a renewed focus on her education and a desire to become economically independent. She encourages other girls to remain in school and seek help when they face violence.

Her account connects protection, mental wellbeing and learning: children need safety and support to pursue their education and imagine a different future.

Adapted from NOCAPAD’s FHN project Stories of Change report. Names are changed where indicated to protect privacy. These accounts describe reported experiences, rather than independently measured project results.