Our Partnership with Hagar USA

Meet Zakaria

Zakaria, a 15-year-old from northern Afghanistan, has faced a lifetime of adversity in just a few short years. Born into a poor household with three brothers, Zakaria was separated from his parents early on when they migrated to Pakistan in search of work. At the age of 10, he followed them and was placed under the care of an uncle. For a time, Zakaria attended a religious school, but conflict forced him to leave. He then began working with his father in a local restaurant to help support the family.

Tragically, after another conflict at the restaurant, Zakaria was trafficked back to Afghanistan by a man who exploited him—subjecting him to forced labor and sexual abuse. The trauma of that experience left deep physical and psychological scars. Desperate for escape, he attempted to flee to Iran.

His journey was interrupted in Kabul, where a bus driver recognized signs of distress and contacted local authorities. Zakaria was taken into protective custody and referred by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to Hagar’s shelter.

When Zakaria arrived at the shelter, he presented with multiple challenges: trauma-related behavioral issues, a head injury sustained during earlier abuse, and extreme withdrawal. He had difficulty trusting others and expressing himself. With patient, trauma-informed care—including psychological counseling, consistent case management, and access to medical treatment—Zakaria gradually began to heal. He participated in psychosocial support, recreational activities, educational support, and legal awareness training. Zakaria stabilized and grew in confidence.

In collaboration with the provincial Child Protection Action Network, Hagar’s team successfully traced Zakaria’s family. After verifying the safety of his home environment, Zakaria was reunified with his father and brother! Today, Zakaria is thriving. He has resumed his studies, developed a passion for learning, and is surrounded by family once again.