There are too many children in our community who are suffering physical and psychological torture perpetrated by their families due to bad economic situation. Mehran an 18 years old boy, resident of Kohsan district of Herat province is one of those children who had lived in poverty and problems for many years.

He tells us the story of his life:

My family and I had lived in a middle-class family in Gulran district of Herat province. My sisters and I was studying in school with so much interest, love and enthusiasm. We had our own wishes and wanted to study and secure a good life for us in the future.

But our family was more dominated by my grandfather. He was a fanatic person and always imposed most of his personal desires and beliefs on us. My grandfather was our elder and we were bound to obey him.

Unfortunately we lost our father and became fully under control of our grandfather. After my father’s death, my grandfather was more oppressive to us. He did not allow me to go to school. Even I was not allowed to play football with my friends. My grandfather was used to take me to his shop, tortured me every day and I couldn’t say anything to him. The problems got more day by day. I was not able to bear all the pain and trouble even I decided to commit suicide several times.

When I wanted to do suicide, my mother and sisters came in front of my eyes and couldn’t do it, but I was really tired of this situation until we decided to come to Herat and reside here.

Now, we have a simple life of our own. My sisters can go to school. It has been a while since I got to know about the Ansari Vocational Skills Training Center of Help organization. After having the eligibility criteria and passing the registration process I was enrolled in home appliance repair vocation.

I wanted to learn this vocation but I did not have any good feeling as I was always remembering my past life experiences specially those times with my grandfather, that was really annoying me even some times I thought to leave Ansari VTC; until Help social workers came to me, asked me about my past life experiences and started psycho- social consultation and supports for me and giving hope and motivation to continue this vocation, start school next year, join soccer team and secure a bright future for me and my family. Now I am very happy and do continue learning home appliance repair skill at Ansari VTC to a have a good life and secure a bright future for me and my family.

Source: Help ‘s IT & Public Relations Department