Amara’s Story of Growth

April 2024

Amara’s journey with Global Child Advocates began when she was just 3 years and 8 months old. She arrived at our Early Intervention (EI) Center from a home life filled with challenges. Her father, suffering from kidney disease, was unable to care for her or work to provide for her basic needs. Without a mother in her life and no access to early education, Amara was missing out on the care and early guidance every child deserves. She had never been to school and didn’t know the joys of playing with peers or learning.

Amara’s caseworker reached out to our EI team, knowing the center could be a safe haven for her. It was clear that Amara had attachment issues, struggling with insecurity and fear. Her world revolved around her elder sister, and she found it hard to separate from her when it was time to join the other children at the center. On her first days at the center, Amara wouldn’t play with children her age and cried whenever she was apart from her sister. Even nap times were distressing, filled with tears both before and after sleep.

Recognizing Needs

Our teachers knew that Amara needed more than just structure, she needed a nurturing environment where she could learn to feel safe and cared for. The teachers were patient, loving, and creative. They found a simple way to calm her anxiety: finding what she was interested in and providing ample opportunities to interact with familiar toys. Something Amara loved doing was dressing up with makeup, an activity that she and her sister did often at home. When Amara arrived at the center the next day, the teachers gave her some children’s makeup and Amara applied it like her sister had taught her. She was so pleased with herself! The teachers explained that if Amara were to cry, her makeup would wash away, and they encouraged Amara to do things that made her feel happy: like play with toys, do art, or play outside. This small but special routine helped Amara feel in control of her choices, and after a week of consistent care and kindness, Amara began to settle in.

Beyond her emotional needs, Amara also struggled with basic social skills. She didn’t know how to share toys, listen to teachers, or play peacefully with others. At first, she hit other kids when she wanted something, not knowing how to ask. But with time, gentle guidance, and positive reinforcement from our staff, Amara learned to share, communicate, and play with her friends. After just four weeks at the EI Center, Amara no longer needed to stay with her sister for comfort—she began to enjoy playing with children her own age, asked for toys politely, and even apologized when she accidentally hurt someone.

Positive Growth

Amara’s transformation has been incredible. From a little girl who cried, hit others, and struggled with attachment, she has blossomed into a confident, happy child who listens to her teachers, plays independently, and loves to express herself artistically with makeup and stickers. She greets her teachers with hugs and kisses each day, a sign of the strong bonds she has built.