But things could have turned out very differently…
Shufaa was just four years old when she was separated from her mum and moved over 700 miles away to live with her father and stepmother.
Six years later, her father left home and, without his protection, Shufaa’s stepmother began to abuse and neglect her. Eventually, not knowing what else to do, Shufaa ran away to look for her father. Instead, she found herself alone and struggling to survive on the streets where she was vulnerable to physical violence, sexual abuse and forced labour.
Thankfully, a member of the public reported Shufaa to a government Social Welfare Officer, who then referred her to us.
When Railway Children outreach worker, Joyce, met Shufaa, it quickly became apparent that Shufaa was desperate to return to her mother.
“Through our therapeutic approach, we strive to reunite children like Shufaa with their families and provide them with the opportunity to continue with their education,” says Joyce.
After locating Shufaa’s mother and confirming that she and her new husband were willing and able to care for Shufaa, Joyce helped reunite the family. Crucially, Railway Children then continued to support the family with medical insurance, grants, business training and school supplies to ensure Shufaa was safe, loved, provided for and able to return to school.
Now, happy at home, making new friends and excelling at school, Shufaa is enjoying life again.
“With the togetherness, I believe I can overcome anything,” she says.
But for every child like Shufaa, there are thousands more who need our help.
Play Video
*Name has been changed to protect identity.
Your money will be used wherever the need is greatest to support children across India, Tanzania and the UK.