Against All Odds: A Girl's Journey from Poverty and Trauma to Hope
A five-year-old girl was scavenging for food at a dump site. Her tiny frame and solemn eyes reflected a battle for survival.
Abeda lived with her mother and two-year-old sister. Her father had died, and her mother was gravely ill, bedridden, and unable to provide for the family. Abeda, despite her young age, put the burden of searching for food to keep her family alive on her own tiny shoulders.
Through tears, she expressed her fear that her mother might die and leave her alone. The burden was so heavy she cried, “If my mom dies today, I’ll go with her because there’s nothing I can do.” Pain and hopelessness laced her heart-wrenching words.
What is a girl whose childhood is marked by the trauma of instability, loss, and challenges supposed to do?
By God’s grace, Abeda met a local caregiver who had been trained by RiverCross to identify trauma. Because of her training, she could identify what needed to be done. After hearing Abeda’s story, the caregiver accompanied Abeda to her home, where she found her mother in critical condition, bedridden and suffering from severe sores. Her youngest daughter was malnourished and frail. The situation was dire.
The local caregiver immediately connected Abeda’s family with village health workers, who assessed their medical care and food assistance needs. Abeda’s mother began receiving treatment, but unfortunately, her illness had progressed too far, and she passed away a few months later.
Despite this heartbreaking loss, the caregiver worked tirelessly to ensure Abeda and her sister would not face the same hopelessness. The children were placed in a supportive village home, where they received the physical care and the emotional stability they desperately needed. With their basic needs met, Abeda and her sister began to heal.
A Brighter Future
Three years later, when visiting Abeda, we are overjoyed to see a thriving young girl. Now eight years old, Abeda is full of life and laughter. She attends school, plays with other children, and dreams of a brighter future. Her younger sister is also healthy and flourishing. Abeda told us, “We eat good meals now, and I can go to school. I’m happy again. Although I miss my mom, I know she is resting and no longer in pain.”
Abeda’s transformation is a testament to the power of trauma-informed care and the impact of RiverCross’s training programs. The caregivers in her village, trained by RiverCross, are equipped to identify her needs and provide the emotional and physical support she required. Their ability to listen, empathize, and act with compassion made all the difference in Abeda’s life.
How You Can Help
Abeda’s story underscores the importance of training caregivers and community members to recognize and respond to trauma. Without this training, Abeda’s cries for help might have gone unnoticed, and her future could have been drastically different. RiverCross equips caregivers with the skills to provide not just physical care but also emotional healing, ensuring children like Abeda can dream again.
Today, Abeda dreams of becoming a doctor, while her sister aspires to be a teacher. They have moved from the spiral of vulnerability to a place of safety and hope. But there are many more children like Abeda who need our help.
Join us in transforming lives. With your support, we can train more caregivers, reach more vulnerable children, and create stories of hope and healing. Together, we can light the path to a brighter future for children like Abeda.