Zabiullah’s Story
My family lives in PD#1 Kabul city. My father faces the challenge of drug addiction, and my parents separated nine years ago. My brother lived with my grandmother, while I lived with my mother, stepfather, stepbrother and stepsister.
My father is involved in selling second-hand goods in Maiwand Square in PD#1 Kabul, while my mother is employed at the second police station. I was a student in the fifth grade at Balkhi school. However, I have been away from my family for the past three months.
One time, my brother and I took 7,000 Afghani from my mother's wallet. I spent approximately 1,000 Afghani daily in the bazaar and school on various items such as threads, kites, and food. After a few days, when my father needed money, my mother discovered that the money was missing from her purse. Suspecting my brother and me, my father confronted and beat us.
The next morning, I ran away from home to avoid being beaten again. Eventually, I made my way to the east of Kabul city. That night, a man noticed me and inquired about my situation. Unfortunately, he took advantage of my vulnerability, leading me to an unknown place. During that night, he forced me out of bed and subjected me to sexual abuse. He warned me, saying, "If you tell anybody, I will kill you." After that, I managed to escape from that place. It was midnight when two police officers unexpectedly approached and took me to PD#8. The following day, they escorted me to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, which subsequently referred me to Hagar's Forgotten No More (FNM) Center.
At first, the client experienced a state of isolation, mental instability, severe anxiety, and weak self-confidence. He exhibited a lack of participation in daily activities and felt hopeless about the future. After several counselling sessions and the provision of the required services, his anxiety and intellectual instability decreased. His negative thoughts transformed, and he became hopeful for the future. He continued to study with interest, and his skills in handicrafts, drawing, and bead weaving strengthened. He developed initiative and creativity. After tireless efforts, the FNM team successfully established trusting relationships with the client and located his family's address. The mediation process commenced with his family, and upon completing all pre-reintegration procedures and ensuring his safety, he was successfully reintegrated with his family. According to the FNM team's follow-up, he is now content with his family, and they are taking care of him. Additionally, the boy has learned to protect himself from potential harm.
The story highlights the services offered by the FNM Center, which not only helped the boy overcome his traumatic past but also facilitated his reintegration into a safe and supportive family environment, paving the way for a positive and hopeful future.
*Name changed for safety.
