Highlights
The TCC entered a new partnership with ‘Skateistan’ (http://skateistan.org/) – which combines skateboarding with educational outcomes with girls and working children in Afghanistan and Cambodia.
l Forgotten No More: Restoration for Afghan Boy Survivors project successfully launched in early September. A programme manager, a new cook, a new driver and a wonderful set of house parents were hired on to the project. The boys are safe and healthy as Hagar Afghanistan get’s ready for the fall.
Anisa's Story
A women who has suffered human rights abuse for several years
We moved so many times – but they would always find us.
Anisa is a smart and well-spoken 20 year old Iranian girl who fell in love with an Afghan carpenter. She could never have dreamed that her love story would lead her into so much trouble.
"I spoke to a woman in my neighbourhood who told me about the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and UNHCR. They immediately directed me to a shelter where I stayed for 35 days; but I felt so alone in this shelter – people would treat me badly because I was Iranian. One day, I was referred to the TCC (Transitional Care Centre). People do not judge me here and I feel welcomed. I hope to stay here until I can find refugee status in a country that is safe and welcoming for me and my husband."
After eloping with her husband to Afghanistan to escape family feuding over their relationship, she faced threats and incredible challenges. Anisa’s uncle is highly placed in the government and has many connections, which he repeatedly used to track down Anisa and her husband.
Strong class tensions that have been present for many years exist between Iranian and Afghan cultures and discrimination against Afghans continues to permeate Iranian culture. It brought great shame to Anisa’s family that she wed an Afghan man and helps to explain why the family went through such incredible measures to have them separated.
In mid-2013, Anisa came to Hagar’s TCC. Hagar will continue to hope with Anisa, all the while making sure she is safe, enjoys her human rights to education and legal aid, as well as individualized psychosocial care. Anisa stayed strong and remains strong in hope that one day she will be able to enjoy a safe and normal life with her husband.
*Hagar pursues the highest degree of care and protection for its clients; names have been changed and images do not necessarily reflect the individual profiled.
The ‘Token Economy’ has been working wonderfully since its launch in August. The system positively reinforces ‘goal achievement’ and has led to post-traumatic growth for many of the TCC’s clients.
Funding Update
