“I had long forgotten what a real home felt like. Now I know — it’s not just a word. It’s a family that loves and cares for you,” says 16-year-old Lilia, whose life was shattered by war.

First, Lilia and her brother lost their father — he left them and their mother to pursue a carefree life of gambling. Then the war came, taking their mother too. At just 16, Lilia was left to juggle school and housework, while also working in greenhouses to afford food.
In October last year, Lilia came to our Hope and Healing Center in Hatne. She was withdrawn and insecure, wary of strangers and no longer believed in kindness. But the attention and care of our staff and the consistent support of our psychologists began to work wonders. Just a few months later, a spark returned to her eyes — the spark of a teenager who once again wanted to live, to dream, and to hope.

Lilia’s true joy came when she found herself part of a family again — with a mom, dad, brothers, and sisters. In her new foster home, she finally received the love and care she had long been missing. Today, she’s back in school, learning English, taking up rhythmic gymnastics, attending concerts, making new friends, and simply enjoying a carefree teenage life.

“Your center became the family I had been waiting for all 16 years,” Lilia says — her eyes shining for the first time in a long while.

With support from Malteser International, we were able to give Lilia a chance at a new life. Now, two more orphans have come to take her place at the center — children who also deserve love, safety, and care. A heartfelt thank you to our partners Aktion Deutschland Hilft and Malteser International for making this possible. Thanks to your support, we can bring warmth and hope to even more children.

Please share this story! Let the world see how, even in the midst of war, hope comes alive.