Project report

From Silence to Smiles: A Child’s Journey of Healing

josemoriano · 29 Jul 2026

Abstract

Rakibul Hasan, an 11-year-old boy from Nurar Dail, Jalia Palong, has been living under the care of his maternal grandparents since his life changed forever at the age of six. One day, he witnessed the brutal killing of his mother by his own father—a traumatic event that no child should ever experience. In the aftermath of the incident, his father fled, leaving Rakibul orphaned in all but name and deprived of the love, care, and protection every child deserves. The tragedy left deep emotional scars. Once a cheerful and energetic child, Rakibul gradually retreated into silence. He stopped talking to people, avoided eye contact, and isolated himself from family members and other children. He rarely smiled, struggled to express his feelings, and showed little interest in playing or participating in social activities. The trauma robbed him of his sense of safety and trust, leaving him trapped in fear and emotional pain. His grandparents watched helplessly as the child they once knew became increasingly withdrawn, worrying that he might never recover from the devastating experience. Unable to communicate his emotions or seek comfort from others, Rakibul faced a high risk of long-term psychosocial distress. His emotional wellbeing, social development, and confidence were severely affected, making it difficult for him to enjoy his childhood or build healthy relationships with those around him. A turning point in Rakibul’s life came when his grandmother enrolled him in the Child-Friendly Space (CFS) under the Joining Forces for Food Security and Child Protection in Emergencies (JF-FS & CPiE) project implemented by BITA. Hoping to see some positive change in her grandson, she brought him to the center despite his reluctance to interact with others. During the first few weeks, Rakibul attended the sessions quietly. He rarely spoke, avoided eye contact, stayed away from group activities, and often chose to sit alone, silently observing the other children. His behavior reflected the deep emotional wounds caused by the traumatic loss of his mother and the absence of parental care. Recognizing that Rakibul was a child affected by severe trauma, the CFS facilitators adopted a child-centered and trauma-informed approach, ensuring that every interaction respected his pace and emotional needs. Instead of encouraging him to speak before he was ready, they focused on building a trusting relationship through patience, empathy, and consistent care. The facilitators created a safe, protective, and nurturing environment where Rakibul could gradually regain his sense of security. Through structured play, art and recreational activities, group games, and regular positive interactions with facilitators and peers, he slowly began to feel accepted and emotionally safe. Continuous observation, encouragement, and individualized attention helped him take small but meaningful steps toward reconnecting with others and rebuilding the confidence that trauma had taken away. Today, Rakibul’s life has changed in remarkable ways. The quiet, withdrawn boy who once struggled to speak now confidently introduces himself, communicates openly with facilitators and other children, and actively participates in group games, creative activities, and learning sessions at the Child-Friendly Space. His smile, once rarely seen, has become a regular expression of the joy and confidence he has gradually regained. He has formed meaningful friendships, enjoys spending time with his peers, and is no longer afraid to express his thoughts and emotions. Reflecting on his journey, Rabiul shared, “With support and care, I slowly found my voice again—and now I feel safe, happy, and hopeful for my future.” The positive changes extend beyond the Child-Friendly Space. At home, his grandmother has witnessed a remarkable transformation in his behavior and emotional wellbeing. Rakibul now talks more with family members, shows interest in daily activities, and demonstrates greater emotional stability than before. The fear, isolation, and silence that once defined his childhood have gradually been replaced with trust, confidence, and a renewed sense of belonging. Seeing these changes, his grandmother said, “Seeing Rakibul smile again feels like a miracle. I thought I had lost him to his silence, but now he is coming back to life.” **Although the painful memories of losing his mother remain a part of his life, they no longer define his future. Through consistent psychosocial support, a safe and nurturing environment, and the compassionate care of trained facilitators, Rakibul has developed healthy coping skills and renewed hope. As one CFS facilitator reflected, “Rakibul’s journey shows that with patience and care, even the most deeply affected children can heal.” His story is a powerful reminder that timely, child-centered psychosocial support can help children recover from severe trauma, rebuild their confidence, restore their sense of safety and belonging, and look toward the future with hope and resilience. The post From Silence to Smiles: A Child’s Journey of Healing appeared first on Joining Forces.