Hiba’s journey: Hope and resilience in the face of adversity

In every community, there are children who grow up under challenging circumstances and require special support. Hiba, a 13-year-old orphan from Skhirat, Morocco, is one of those children.

Skhirat, a small town between the capital Rabat and Casablanca, is where Hiba lives with her mother, younger brother and baby sister in a modest apartment. Hiba is full of passion and dreams. Her love for martial arts, especially Taekwondo, keeps her motivated and she holds a deep ambition to one day become an architect.

The impact of tragedy

Hiba’s life changed dramatically after the tragic loss of her father, which plunged her family into financial and emotional hardship. Her mother became the sole provider, struggling to meet the basic needs of her three children, including food and shelter.

Amidst these challenges, Human Concern International’s Child Support Program (CSP) became a beacon of hope for Hiba’s family. CSP empowers vulnerable children to pursue their education and realize their dreams, as it has for Hiba. The sponsorship allows her family to cover essential costs, such as educational materials, uniforms and transportation.

Through CSP, Hiba’s family also receives vital monthly assistance in the form of food baskets containing staples like rice, flour and cooking oil. This ensures they don’t go hungry. Additionally, Human Concern International (HCI) has provided Hiba’s family with furniture, comfortable beds and winter clothing through its winter relief project. This support allows Hiba and her siblings to focus on their studies rather than their immediate survival needs, contributing to their overall well-being.

Hiba’s mother expresses deep gratitude for the support they have received from CSP, saying it has lifted a heavy weight from her shoulders: “Without this help, it would have been impossible for me to provide for my children. The food, education [and support] has made a difference in our lives. Now, I can focus on raising my children and running my small business, knowing their basic needs are met.”

Educational challenges and the iImportance of academic support

The 2023–2024 school year in Morocco was especially challenging, with widespread teacher strikes disrupting education for several months. For students like Hiba, this created a significant learning gap. Attending a public school in Skhirat, Hiba struggled to keep up with missed lessons. Fortunately, the CSP program offers academic assistance to orphaned children who are struggling academically. Hiba received extra tutoring through the program at a nearby community center, ALYAH School. These additional study hours helped her regain confidence and catch up on her missed coursework.

Thanks to CSP’s academic support, Hiba was able to achieve remarkable progress. In a class of 36 students, she scored an impressive 18.56 out of 20, earning second place—an incredible accomplishment given the obstacles she faced. This success not only boosted her academic standing but also reinforced her belief in her potential.

A bright future ahead

The support Hiba receives from CSP is more than just financial. It’s a comprehensive approach to creating a better future for children facing hardship. With access to essential resources like clothing, healthcare, academic support and improved living conditions, CSP empowers children like Hiba to dream big.

For Hiba, the program has been transformational. She carries optimism for the future and her dream of becoming an architect no longer feels out of reach. Each step she takes, whether in the classroom or her personal pursuits, brings her closer to realizing her goals.

Hiba’s story reflects the journey of many orphans in Morocco who rely on programs like CSP to achieve their dreams. Her story is a powerful reminder that, with the right support, even the most challenging situations can be overcome. Programs like CSP give children like Hiba not just the means to survive but the tools to thrive.

Thanks to CSP’s support, Hiba is no longer just an orphan facing life’s hardships. She is a young girl filled with hope, determination and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.