Renaad’s Journey Through Trauma

Finding Strength Again

Renaad’s Story

Ten-year-old Renaad Hallak is a fifth-grade student from Taftanaz, a town in rural Idlib. Displaced from her hometown at a young age, she now lives with her family in a rented house in Maarat Misrin. Their fragile sense of stability was shattered once again when a devastating earthquake struck the region—damaging the structure of their home and leaving Renaad emotionally shaken.

Her case was identified by our Case Management team, which referred her to Child Guardians’ MHPSS services. She was enrolled in the Survival Methods group therapy programme, a series of weekly psychosocial sessions designed specifically for children impacted by traumatic events.

When she first came to the center, Renaad was struggling with intense fear and emotional withdrawal. She often spoke of the terrifying moments during the earthquake, her fear of the night, and recurring distressing images in her mind.

"Before coming to the center, I used to feel bored and didn’t have any games to play or friends to be with. I kept thinking about the earthquake and the sounds—it made me feel afraid all the time."

Renaad, 10 years

A Path to Recovery

Over the course of a month, Renaad began to experience meaningful change. Through the guidance of trained staff and targeted group sessions, she practiced techniques like deep breathing, emotional visualization, and sensory awareness exercises that helped reduce anxiety and promote self-regulation.

We spoke with Bayan, Renaad’s psychosocial support officer, about the changes she observed before and after the sessions:

“Renaad was referred to us by the Case Management team. She was showing signs of distress after the earthquake and nearby bombings. The destruction she witnessed had deeply affected her well-being—she became fearful, withdrawn, and frequently spoke about her fear of the night and the terrifying moments she lived through. We enrolled her in the Survival Methods group therapy programme, where she began attending weekly sessions. During these sessions, we used a range of child-focused techniques. Over time, she shared that her condition had improved significantly—she was no longer haunted by the disturbing images or sounds of the earthquake. We’ve seen real emotional progress in her.”

Renaad was referred to us by the Case Management team. She was showing signs of distress after the earthquake and nearby bombings. The destruction she witnessed had deeply affected her well-being—she became fearful, withdrawn, and frequently spoke about her fear of the night and the terrifying moments she lived through.

Bayan, Renaad's psychosocial support officer

With each session, Renaad reconnected—with herself, with her peers, and with a sense of safety that had long been missing. The center became a place where she could play, express herself freely, and feel supported.

“Now, I feel happy and excited when I come to the center,” she said. “I made new friends, and I love the activities. I learned how to stay calm when I’m upset. I want to become a teacher someday—and teach other children the techniques I’ve learned here.”

“Now, I feel happy and excited when I come to the center. I made new friends, and I love the activities. I learned how to stay calm when I’m upset. I want to become a teacher someday—and teach other children the techniques I’ve learned here.”

Renaad, 10 years

Today, Renaad is smiling, participating, and showing the emotional strength she once thought she had lost. Her journey is a powerful reminder that, with the right support, even the most vulnerable children can begin to heal and thrive again.

Empowering Minds

To provide specialized services for the most affected children, our Mental Health Program focuses on enhancing resilience, promoting psychological stability, and guiding children toward recovery.