Rokai’s Story

At just 6 years old, Rokai* has already endured more hardship than most of us could imagine. His story, like so many others, is one of resilience, courage, and ultimately, hope. Through the care and support of people like you, Rokai has found safety, healing, and the chance to rebuild his life.

Rokai’s early life was filled with uncertainty and loss. His father was killed in a violent incident, and shortly after, Rokai was separated from his mother. For a young boy, losing both parents in such a short span of time left him scared, anxious, and unsure of his future. He was vulnerable, without the security and protection that every child deserves.

It was during this turbulent time that Rokai was referred to Hagar. The team at Hagar recognised the urgent need to provide him with a safe, nurturing environment where he could begin to heal from the trauma he had experienced.

When Rokai first arrived at Hagar’s Forgotten No More (FNM) boys’ shelter, he was overwhelmed by fear and mistrust. Like many children who come into Hagar’s care, Rokai was unsure of his surroundings and found it difficult to trust anyone. He had been through so much, and the weight of his past trauma was clear.

But the team at Hagar welcomed him with open arms, offering him the patience and compassion he so desperately needed. The first step was to make Rokai feel safe. Through gentle trust-building activities, emotional support, and counselling, the staff slowly helped Rokai begin to open up and realise he was in a place where he would be cared for and protected.

Rokai’s recovery wasn’t just about overcoming his fear—it was about addressing his physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Hagar’s trauma-informed approach ensured that Rokai received comprehensive care tailored specifically to him.

From medical treatment for his physical health to one-on-one counselling for emotional support, Rokai began to heal. He also participated in educational and recreational programs, allowing him to rediscover the joys of childhood. Over time, Rokai began to smile again. He formed friendships with other children in the shelter and started to believe in a brighter future.

Rokai’s story is just one example of the many children Hagar supports every day. Across our programs, we are seeing a growing number of children coming to us in need of urgent care. Modern slavery, exploitation, and global crises like conflict and displacement are pulling more and more children into dangerous situations.

The sad truth is that Rokai is not alone. There are countless other children, just like him, who have faced unimaginable trauma. Hagar is working tirelessly to meet the increasing demand, offering comprehensive care and support to every child who walks through our doors. But the need is greater than ever, and we cannot do this work alone.

Each child, like Rokai, deserves the chance to heal and grow. But as the number of vulnerable children rises, so does the need for our support. Every donation to Hagar is critical in helping us provide the safety, care, and hope that these children deserve.

Today, Rokai is thriving in his safe and supportive environment. He has regular meals, access to education, and a community of caring adults who are dedicated to his well-being. He spends his days learning, playing, and growing—things that every child should have the opportunity to experience.

From the frightened, vulnerable boy who first came to Hagar, Rokai has transformed into a child filled with hope and possibility. His future is now brighter, thanks to the care and generosity of people like you.

Rokai’s journey from fear to safety wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Hagar’s donors. It’s the generosity of people like you that allows us to continue providing life-changing care to children who need it most. Rokai’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that kindness and compassion can have on a child’s life. But his story is just the beginning. Every day, Hagar is helping children like Rokai move from fear to hope, from trauma to healing.

*Rokai’s name has been changed to protect his identity