At just 12 years old, Bahram was working long hours on the streets to help his family survive. With support from Hagar, he is now back in school, learning practical skills and beginning to imagine a different future.
Bahram grew up in a family facing severe financial hardship. With very little income available, he began working long hours on the streets instead of attending school.
The work deprived him of his education and exposed him to exploitation, abuse, violence, trafficking and road accidents. These experiences also affected his emotional wellbeing, leaving him withdrawn, anxious and lacking confidence.
Bahram was referred to Hagar through the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs under a signed Memorandum of Understanding.
During an initial assessment, Hagar’s Community-Based Child Protection team identified that Bahram had experienced forced labour and family violence.
He felt little hope for his future, while his parents believed the income he earned was necessary for the family’s survival.
The Hagar team worked with Bahram and his family to help him leave street work and return to school.
He was also enrolled in tailoring vocational training, giving him the opportunity to build practical skills while continuing his education.
Returning to school was one part of Bahram’s recovery. Hagar also worked with him and his family to create a safer and more supportive environment.
As Bahram began attending school regularly and participating in tailoring training, his confidence grew.
He became more comfortable communicating with others, and his anxiety reduced significantly. Education and vocational training gave him a renewed sense of purpose and helped him imagine a future beyond street work.
Bahram’s parents also began to see his situation differently. Through counselling and awareness sessions, they came to understand the importance of protecting his education and preventing his return to street work.
They are now committed to supporting his schooling and investing in his future.
Today, Bahram is continuing his education, developing practical skills and rebuilding his confidence.
His journey shows what can happen when a child receives timely, coordinated support. By working with Bahram, his family and the wider community, the Community-Based Child Protection project helped create the conditions he needed to move away from forced labour and towards greater safety and opportunity.
Your support helps provide education, counselling, vocational training, family support and ongoing case management for children facing exploitation.
