My name is Amira and I’m 10 years old. I was in class three when I left the school because of my disease. It’s a rare disease, not very common at all in our community. School was very hard for me, because of my sickness, I was always feeling so warm so I couldn’t focus on what the teacher was talking about.

Sometimes my father would have to come and take me home from school, and sometimes he would come with a friend.I was feeling so ashamed that his friend would see me in that situation! WhenI left school, I was very sad at that moment. My friends continued attending but  I was staying at home. I preferred going outside the tent. When visitors came, I was feeling shame because of my skin, and I didn’t want them to see me.

Before I came to the Heroes Journey program, I was always feeling ashamed if people saw me. Then, I came to this program! On the first day I was feeling shame because I was going to be with a group of kids, and I was different from them! I didn’t know if they would accept me. But then I made friends. I loved learning all the Heroes Powers, but my favorite one was kindness. It has shown me how to be more kind with myself, and love myself, and my family and friends. When we talked about the story of shame with the three children, I learned that I’m just like everyone else. I’m not different , and now I feel very confident when I leave my home! I feel I’m OK, I’m just like them. There is no difference between us. 

Because of the generosity of people like you, children like Amira have found the courage they need to move forward. BUT there are thousands of people with stories that are yet to end with hope. Help Tutapona provide that hope and healing by donating today.

*Name has been changed to protect the individual and family.