For Sangar’s family, life in Afghanistan had been a constant battle against fear and isolation. The streets outside their modest home were filled with danger, the echoes of violence serving as a daily reminder of the turmoil that engulfed their country. Inside, the family found themselves imprisoned by the invisible bars of fear. The children’s laughter, once a cherished sound, had been replaced by silence. For Sangar, the youngest of the family and a boy with a speech difficulty, this silence became his entire world.

Sangar had never spoken a single word. His parents watched with heavy hearts as he remained withdrawn, his voice locked away, seemingly beyond reach. His mother often sat beside him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, wondering if he would ever be able to express himself. “We have gone through a very bad situation,” she shared, her voice laced with the weight of their struggles.

The family’s life in Afghanistan was not one of growth or dreams but one of sheer survival. With a large family to care for, his parents struggled to shield their children from the chaos outside. The children were always confined to the safety of their home, their innocence gradually eroded by the constant shadow of fear. Hopes for the future seemed like a distant dream, buried under the daily fight to simply stay alive.

Then, a flicker of hope emerged. After years of living in constant fear, Sangar’s family was granted temporary refuge in Albania. It was a chance to start over, to leave behind the fear and isolation that had defined their lives. They viewed Albania as a stepping stone, a safe haven on their journey toward their ultimate goal of reaching the United States.

The transition to this new country was not easy. Everything was unfamiliar—the language, the culture, the way of life. But amidst the challenges, the family found something unexpected: kindness. The warmth and generosity of the Albanian people were like a balm for their weary souls, a stark contrast to the fear they had known for so long. It was here, in this land of new beginnings, that Sangar’s story truly began to unfold.

Sangar’s parents were cautiously optimistic about their new life, but their concerns for him remained. Despite the safety and warmth of their new environment, Sangar showed no interest in engaging with the world around him. He remained silent, his gaze often distant, as if he were still trapped in the shadows of their past. His parents worried that his voice might remain locked away forever.

That changed when Sangar joined the day care center. From the moment he stepped through its doors, the staff welcomed him with open arms and open hearts. The environment was filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging that Sangar had never experienced before. The caregivers, skilled in working with children who had faced trauma, saw in Sangar not a silent boy, but a child full of potential waiting to be unlocked.

At first, progress was slow. Sangar observed the other children from a distance, his expression a mixture of curiosity and hesitation. But the staff’s patience and encouragement began to break through the walls he had built around himself. Through playful activities, gentle conversations, and songs, they created a space where Sangar could feel safe to explore and express himself.

Then, one day, it happened. Sangar spoke his first word. His mother could hardly believe it when she heard him say “ball,” pointing to a toy he wanted to play with. Tears streamed down her face as she realized that this was the beginning of something extraordinary. “When he came to your center, he learned to talk a lot and be more polite,” she later shared, her voice filled with gratitude and amazement.

From that moment on, Sangar’s progress was nothing short of remarkable. He began speaking in sentences, recounting his day at the center with pride. “I played with my friends,” he would say, or “We painted pictures today.” Each word he spoke was a testament to the transformative power of care, patience, and encouragement.

But Sangar’s transformation wasn’t limited to his newfound ability to speak. His once restless spirit became calm. He developed a desire to learn, something his parents had never seen in him before. At home, he would eagerly show his parents the drawings he had made, or sing the songs he had learned. The boy who had been locked in silence was now filled with curiosity and joy, eager to engage with the world around him.

The impact on Sangar’s family was profound. His mother, who had once feared that her son might never find his voice, was now filled with hope and gratitude. “I am very happy that my child is now learning and is calmer. I thank you for the care you have shown,” she said, her eyes shining with joy. Sangar’s progress became a source of inspiration for the entire family, a reminder that even in the face of immense hardship, transformation and growth are possible.

Sangar’s story is not just about a boy learning to speak; it is a story of resilience, hope, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. It is a testament to the power of kindness and the profound impact that a nurturing environment can have on a child’s life. For Sangar and his family, the day care center was more than just a place to learn and play—it was a place where dreams were rekindled, and a brighter future became possible.

Today, Sangar’s voice fills not only his home but also the hearts of those around him. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that even after the darkest of times, there is always a chance for a new beginning. And in finding his voice, Sangar has given his family the courage to dream again.

This story was written as part of the project “Day Care Center as a creative and safe space”, implemented by UNICEF Albania with the support of the US Government and in partnership with YWCA of Albania.