Childhood Trauma and Speech Delay

Zayd Salemeh is a third-grade student at Al Abrar School in Tripoli and the youngest of 7 children in his family. Zayd has suffered childhood trauma caused by war and ongoing fear. These traumas have led to academic and speech delays, low self-esteem, and trauma-related psychological symptoms.

In addition, he was bullied at school, which instigated feelings of insecurity, and other social and emotional problems. Considering the struggle that Zayd had to face at a young age, FISTA was the right place for Zayd.

Zayd began going to FISTA in September 2021 in a UNICEF program funded by KSrelief. Zayd started speech therapy, special education, and psychotherapy, where an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) was specifically tailored to fit his needs.

Through FISTA’s holistic services, Zayd was taught to be positive even in the darkest moments. Zayd's self-confidence, communication skills, self-image, and ability to control his emotions and manage his anger have improved.

Zayd’s speech, which was initially characterized by articulation errors, is now clear and comprehensible. Furthermore, his trauma symptoms have subsided. Zayd’s relationships with his parents and his peers have notably improved. He has also established excellent learning outcomes, which have allowed him to become better integrated at school. This is the path that Zayd has chosen to take. His family felt relief after a long struggle. "I now realize that nothing is impossible. As a parent, there is no greater honor than watching your son’s accomplishments," said Zayd’s mother. This program is funded by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in partnership with UNICEF.