Follow the powerful, deeply moving journey of Brhane, a resilient teenager whose dreams were shattered by conflict, but who finds the strength to rebuild his life from the ashes. Through compassionate support and unwavering determination, this inspiring story explores the healing of visible and invisible wounds, the triumph over addiction, and the beautiful restoration of family bond and human dignity. A captivating tale of hope, resilience, and second chances that will touch hearts of all ages.
Brhane* is 17 years old and resides in Selekleka town. His parents got divorced, and he was raised by his mother and stepfather. His father has difficulty of hearing. Prior to the Tigrayan war, he was a well-mannered child who pursued his school and had a promising future to support his family. However, his aspiration was shattered because of the Tigray war. He suffered from intense shelling in their vicinity. Consequently, He injured his left hand. Despite trying various medications, he has not yet healed. Certain medical findings also suggest that he will lose his left hand to prevent serious health complications. Consequently, in order to avoid various psychosocial issues such as depression, anger, fear, nightmares, and pain, he started to hide in various addictions. He started to abuse cigarettes, chat, kaya, shisha, alcohol, and various local drinks. He also develops behavioral addictions such as gambling and engages in daily conflicts with various people for no apparent reason. Most importantly, he relinquishes his hope, adopts a pessimistic outlook, and nurtures resentment towards his family and extended relatives for neglecting and failing to support him. Selekleka social affairs assessed him and noted his desire to recover from his psychosocial and behavioral addictions and issues, subsequently referring his case to our rehabilitation center. We conducted a thorough assessment and screening process, admitting the child to our safe house center to receive comprehensive services. His journey to recovery was fraught with difficulties. At first, he displayed withdrawal symptoms including erratic behavior, aggression, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed due to cravings. However, with compassionate care, a nurturing environment, psychological first aid, and guidance, he slowly began to find peace and reconnect with himself. Furthermore, through consistent participation in counseling sessions, life skills training, recreational activities, crafts, and vocational training in electrical installation, he began to rehabilitate, establish connections with others, and address his challenges. In addition, to guarantee family support, a family verification and assessment process was conducted. The organization also covered medical expenses to treat his injury and enhance the child's physical and mental capabilities. He developed further skills to confront his challenges, restored his happiness, and started to regain trust in himself once again. As a result, he was able to reunify with his family by offering a reunification package. Furthermore, to enhance the family's livelihood, his parents were referred to the Economic Empowerment Team for income-generating activities. We will persist in collaborating with the family and the government office to ensure a better and nurturing future for the child. His family is now delighted that he has triumphed over his addiction, healed from his pain and wounds, and they encourage him to continue his rehabilitation to avoid a relapse into street. These days Brhanes dignity, hope and dreams are restored. Brhane's dignity and hope are being restored, and he is actively pursuing his dreams with renewed hope these days.
