In the heart of Iraq, where challenges surrounded him from all sides, he lived for 39 years on a journey full of difficulties after being infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The disease alone was not the biggest challenge, but the societal stigma and psychological abuse he was subjected to, even from those closest to him, which made him feel isolated and let down, as if he was trapped without hope or support. But in the midst of this darkness, he found a ray of light when he learned about the Sawaed Al Tagheer Center through social media. Driven by hope and the desire for a decent life, he contacted us asking for help. As is our humanitarian approach, we received him with respect and sympathy, and we developed a comprehensive support plan that meets his needs at all levels. We began the journey of change and specialized psychological support to help him accept himself and enhance his confidence in himself, and enable him to deal with the abuse and discrimination he faced. The road was not easy, but with each psychological support session, he regained part of his inner strength and his belief that his life did not end with the disease. In addition, the beneficiary faced legal challenges, especially regarding his right to a decent life away from persecution. Therefore, the center’s lawyer provided him with comprehensive legal advice and helped him communicate with the IOM in Iraq and Jordan to follow up on his immigration file to the United States, a dream he had been striving to achieve for years.
It was not just about providing advice, but we made sure he felt safe through our full commitment to confidentiality and privacy. The case manager also continued to follow up on his health and social status, to ensure his psychological and medical stability, and so that he would not feel that he was embarking on this journey alone.
After months of hard work and coordination with the relevant authorities, the decisive moment came: the beneficiary’s travel date to the United States was set for February 2025. When he received the news, it was not just a travel date, but a turning point in his life, an opportunity for a new beginning in an environment that respects his rights and gives him hope for a brighter future.
Today, he is not just a beneficiary, but a symbol of the ability to change, and evidence that psychological, legal and social support can make a real difference in anyone’s life. His story is a testament to the ability of a person to overcome pain if he finds someone who believes in him and supports him, and it is a reflection of the vision of the Sawaed Al Tagheer Center in providing comprehensive support to everyone who needs it.