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 with her mother. Image Source: Miles2Smile
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.
Leen with the cat at Miles2Smile’s office. Image Source. Miles2Smile
“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.
Leen with the cat at Miles2Smile’s office. Image Source. Miles2Smile
“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.
Leen is gaining confidence with the assistance of Miles2Smile. Image source. Miles2Smile
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."
Leen at the office of Miles2Smile Foundation. Image Source. Miles2Smile
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.
One Step at a Time: Leen’s Path to a Better Future
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.
Latest Stories
Hifz Programs
How Miles2Smile Helped Waseem Ahmed Return to Education After the Jammu and Kashmir Floods
Waseem Ahmed likes being the one his friends turn to. On the cricket field, he helps decide who bats first, encourages his teammates, and cheers them on when they do well. He is a good batsman and fielder, but what rejoices him the most is being involved, guiding others and taking responsibility.
Hifz Programs
Amid Grief and Hardship, Miles2Smile Helps Fareed Continue Learning
Fareed has learned early in life that responsibilities sometimes arrive before childhood has had the chance to unfold. Living in Reasi, Jammu, he lost his father when he was learning what simply being a child meant.
Hifz Programs
Shabir Ahmed Rebuilds His Educational Journey and His Dream of Becoming a Teacher
By the time the morning ignites over Shabir Ahmed’s village, he has already finished the first part of his day. He has taken a bath, offered salah, read for a while and put on his clothes for madrassa.
Assam Flood 2026
Miles2Smile Reaches Assam’s Flood-Hit Mosques and Madrassas to Rebuilt the Lost
As the month of July was bidding farewell to the people of Assam, it swept with it the houses, trees, cattle, and human lives in a deadly deluge while devastating peace. It claimed 80 lives, and affected 1.8 lakh people.