Mental health: Safia’s story
At just 11 years old, Safia* has already endured challenges no child should ever face. Growing up in a low-income community in Pakistan, she and her family lived on a footpath, without the safety of a stable home. Her early childhood was shaped by poverty, uncertainty and exposure to substance use. In conversations, she spoke casually about alcohol and drugs, reflecting just how normalised such risks had become in her environment.
When Safia’s mother brought her and her siblings to our partner organisation, it was clear that her circumstances placed her in extreme danger. With her mother’s consent, she was admitted for rehabilitation and psychosocial support. At such a young age, her emotional state was fragile - marked by anxiety, restlessness and frequent tears. Staff noticed how Sundays were especially difficult for Safia; while other children were visited by their families, she often felt abandoned, her sadness surfacing in heartbreaking outbursts.
The trauma of growing up without security had left Safia burdened with fear, trust issues and feelings of hopelessness. She carried a sense of responsibility far beyond her years, worrying constantly about her mother’s wellbeing. These struggles often manifested in disruptive behaviour, difficulty concentrating and emotional withdrawal; signs of a child forced to cope without the comfort of stability or care.
Her healing journey began with the creation of a safe and nurturing environment where she could express herself. Through play therapy, art and gentle conversations, Safia gradually learned to name and manage her emotions. Structured routines, hobbies and group activities gave her a sense of normalcy, while nutritious meals, healthcare and access to education ensured her basic needs were finally met.
Over time, Safia’s progress became clear. Her self-esteem grew as staff celebrated her small but meaningful achievements. She began to trust again, slowly forming bonds with caregivers and peers, discovering that relationships could be safe and supportive. Each step forward reinforced her resilience, showing that despite her young age, Safia possessed immense strength.
Safia’s journey is still unfolding, but she now has a foundation for a brighter future. With continued education and ongoing mental health support, she is building the tools to heal from trauma and grow with confidence. Her story is a powerful reminder of how essential mental health care is in transforming the lives of vulnerable children.
In Pakistan, many street children live with fractured family ties and face extreme vulnerability to trauma and abuse, whether physical, emotional or sexual. Despite the severity of their experiences, awareness and support for their mental health needs remain limited.
Our Mental Health Programme works to bridge this gap by identifying and addressing the challenges street children face. Through counselling and therapy services, we aim to provide them with a safe, supportive environment where healing can begin.
Alongside direct support for children, we also engage with child protection officers and members of the legal community. By promoting principles of acceptance, open communication, empathy, self-control and non-judgement, we help shift attitudes and practices towards more compassionate, child-centred approaches when dealing with vulnerable children.
*Names changed for confidentiality purposes. Images are of a variety of participants in the programme, not a named individual.