My name is Simco, and I am 12 years old. We used to live in Shingal, but now we are here in this camp. I was two years old when ISIS attacked our village. I don’t remember that time well, but I remember different feelings.

My family escaped into the mountains, and when my father heard what had happened with ISIS, he came home from his police posting in Baghdad to find us.

He arrived too late, and ISIS took him. I would always ask my mom, “Where is my father?” She was hopeful he would come back soon, but eventually we received his dead body. That was a very bad day, and we all cried so much. Even now when I think about it, it is hard, and I cry.

I began feeling a lot of shame about not having a father. One day at school, the teacher asked us all to bring our fathers to school, but I could not. The tears fell from my eyes and in that moment, I felt so alone.

After I joined the Heroes Journey program, I became more comfortable! I have more control over my emotions, and I learned many things.

I now know how to work for my future and achieve my goals. I also know that I am never alone because God is with me. I am thankful for this program because now I am strong.

It gave me advice, just like a father would give a son, and now I am a hero!

Because of the generosity of people like you, boys like SImco have found authentic hope, and are working hard for their futures. 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.