A Child’s Path to Recovery: Aran’s Story
A Child’s Path to Recovery: Aran’s Story
A Child's Path to Recovery:
Aran's Story
Location
Tillabéri Region, Niger
Focus
Reintegration
IMplemented by
Garkua
In Northeast Syria, GCERF’s investment partner, Salam for Hope Foundation, mobilised their
team and resources as part of the emergency response. The response catered to the mass
displacement of people from conflict affected areas in Aleppo, Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. The
response also sought to strengthen local communities, in preparation for future reintegration
cases. It remains within GCERF’s whole-of-society approach to Preventing Violent Extremism
(PVE).
Displaced for the fourth time, Aran (pseudonym, 8 years old), arrived with his mother to al Hasakah. During the team visits to the shelter, Salam team noted Aran’s unease and fear.
The team directly provided Psychological First Aid (PFA), fostering a safe space for Aran to express himself. The psychosocial support extended to his mother as his main caregiver and included guidance on helping Aran himself during these difficult times.
The case management team continued to closely follow up, prioritising trust-building and the gradual restoration of safety and stability in Aran’s daily life. Over time, positive changes began to emerge. Aran slowly started to engage with other children at the centre, playing and interacting more freely—a quiet but important sign of recovery and improved wellbeing.