A six-year-old girl, Leen, along with her family, came to India in 2020, leaving behind the chilling war in their native country, Yemen, to start a fresh life . But what unfolded in India made their lives worse. “I thought coming to India would make our lives better, but to my surprise, it did not,” said Leen’s mother.
Leen and her mother, in further conversation with Miles2Smile, revealed that when coming to India, they approached the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for help, but they did not pay heed.
As a result of that, the family slept on the streets of Vasant Vihar outside the office of UNHCR for two months, without food and security.
“We had nothing to eat, no security, no roof, nothing,” Leen’s mother said.
The mother-daughter duo further alleged that in the month of September 2021, they were assaulted by the Delhi police, as a result of which the daughter, Leen, is still scared of police and strangers.
“I am still scared of the police and every stranger. In fact, when I go to any unknown place, I get scared,” Leen said with fear in his voice.
When Miles2Smile learnt about the adversity of the family, the organization, moved by the natural love and kindness for humanity, decided to help the family.
It decided to facilitate the admission of Leen with the help of Shaagird Foundation, to a school where she could get the necessary education.
Leen is now a student of UKG with a keen interest in English, Hindi, and Math. On being asked about her school life, she, with a broad smile on her face, said, “I love to study, and English is my favorite subject.”
After a while, in an excited tone, she started to narrate the English lessons.
With the help of the Miles2Smile and the Shaagird Foundation, Leen is learning new skills and healing from the scars the war has engraved upon her tender heart.
Providing Shelter, Winning Hearts
In addition to this, Miles2Smile provided shelter to Leen and his family.
It has been taking care of all the basic needs of the family and helping them live a life they deserve.
“Aasif Bhai is the only one taking care of us, he has been taking care of us like a family,” said Leen’s mother with a broad smile.