The testimony of our colleague Abrar from the field.

My name is Abrar Mujahid and I work as a Psychosocial Facilitator, in Alhutah – Lahj, to help girls and boys rebuild their lives and put a smile on their faces thanks to Helpcode Sport Education project that is funded by the Uefa Foundation for Children .

In Lahji Gove, Yemen, young people experience difficulties early in their lives. Here girls and boys face traumatic experiences due to conflict and displacement, including the destruction of their homes, the loss of family members, and the exposure to violence and insecurity.

All the recreational, artistic, and sports activities that we organize aim to create a welcoming environment through which children can heal and find relief.

Through drawing and painting, we encourage them to express their emotions and experiences. Art is a powerful tool of communication that can reveal what words often fail to convey. It is truly touching to witness the transformation that takes place when children pour their pain and hopes onto the drawing sheets. Artistic activities give them voice and help them process trauma in a safe and supportive space.

Equally important are the songs, games, and stories through which girls and boys can live moments of joy and normality amidst the chaos that surrounds them. In this space they rediscover the beauty of childhood and create lasting memories.

Finally, I would like to speak about sports activities: Is there a better way to channel energy, cultivate physical fitness, and learn how to work in a team? Whether it is football, tennis, chess, or traditional Yemeni games, sport manages to instill a sense of belongingness, and restores normality in their lives.

Only when you feel involved and responsible, you look at life from a different perspective. Like what happened to Omar, a boy who is deeply traumatized and enclosed in himself. He had a lot of trouble getting in touch with others.

I well remember the story of this boy and his drawings in which he revealed his inner struggles and his fears. At the same time, he was reflecting the resilience that he practiced, and the hope that he held towards a better future.

His life changed when he discovered his hidden talent in football. In fact, on the field, he worked on his security and interaction with his peers, and he made friendships that gave him a strong sense of belongingness. So much so that today he leads a football team that represents his school, and he participates in the games for boys under 16 that are organized by Helpcode in the Governorate of Lahj.

I have given Omar’s journey as an example because it demonstrates the importance of the work we do in providing these children with opportunities for recreation, art therapy, and sports through which they can heal from their past experiences and create a brighter future.

It is incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact of our activities on these young souls who through the recovery of their own childhood can find incentives to grow.

Abrar Mujahid