A Grandmother’s Strength – How Compassion Transformed a Family’s Future
In a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Najaf, Iraq, seven young orphans and their elderly grandmother fought to survive after an unthinkable tragedy shattered their world.
The children had lost their mother in a violent family dispute, and their father’s subsequent imprisonment left them completely vulnerable. With no one else to turn to, their maternal grandmother, Saadia Khazal Khashan, took them in—despite her own struggles with extreme poverty.
Their home was barely livable. Without electricity, running water, or proper sanitary facilities, daily life was a struggle. The absence of a fence left them exposed to the dangers of the outside world, making nights particularly frightening.
The youngest child, A’un, often woke up crying from nightmares of his mother’s death. With no way to keep warm, Saadia suffered through freezing winters, her hands cracked from washing dishes in icy water. At times, she had no choice but to seek refuge with neighbors to escape the fear that surrounded them.
Realizing the severity of their situation, The Zahra Trust stepped in to provide urgent support, assessing their needs and creating a plan to restore stability to their lives.
Restoring Stability and Safety
The Zahra Trust’s intervention provided critical relief in three key phases:
- Immediate Needs: The home was upgraded with running water, an electric water heater, and proper sanitary facilities, ensuring better hygiene and warmth. Safe electrical connections and circuit breakers were installed, and a protective fence was built to secure the family’s home.
- Food and Essentials: The family began receiving consistent food supplies, including grains, vegetables, fruits, and meat, alleviating their constant hunger.
- Educational and Emotional Support: To bring joy and hope, the male orphans took part in various educational and recreational programs. They joined a dream car drawing competition hosted by Toyota, explored a local book fair, and attended religious celebrations, moments that provided them with happiness and a sense of normalcy.
The Transformation
These changes had a profound effect on the family’s daily life. Running water meant they could finally bathe and wash dishes in warmth, improving their health and well-being. The secure fence eased their fears, allowing them to sleep peacefully for the first time in months.
Saadia, overwhelmed by gratitude, shared her heartfelt thanks:
“When night falls, I cry for my daughter and the hardship my grandchildren face. But now, with the help of The Zahra Trust, I see a light in our lives. The warm water, the secure fence, and the food have brought comfort to my heart and hope to our home.”
The children, too, experienced a sense of renewal. Their involvement in structured activities helped them heal emotionally, giving them the strength to look forward to the future with optimism.
Continuing the Journey
While the family’s circumstances have improved, Saadia remains dedicated to ensuring the well-being of her grandchildren, refusing to leave her home out of fear of losing it.
The Zahra Trust continues to stand by them, offering financial assistance, seasonal clothing, and educational support to help them build a stable future.
This story of seven orphans and their grandmother highlights the power of compassionate intervention. It is a reminder that, even in moments of profound loss, kindness and support can rebuild lives, restoring hope where there was once only despair.
