Success story: Malak Rahmoun breaking the cycle of child marriage
Malak Rahmoun’s story was ground-breaking. She was one of the first children to be sponsored by Africa Muslims Agency (AMA), with her story reverberating around the country and raising awareness on the difficult situation refugees in Lebanon face.
Coming from Syria, Malak’s family were forced to leave all of their possessions behind as they could no longer live amidst the ongoing war. The family were uprooted from their home, and removed from any sense of normalcy in their lives.
After seeking refuge in Lebanon, the family ended up in the Arsaal refugee camp, which is known to flood every year despite tents costing families an extortionate amount per month.
After finally being able to escape war-torn Syria, both Malak and her family struggled with securing basic essentials in Lebanon.
Fatima Kaisi, project co-ordinator at AMA described how her difficult situation significantly impacted her.
“She was deprived of any basic essentials which should be a given to any child. She had no source of food, safety or security,” she says.
Imran Choonara, explained how Malak’s struggle paved the way for many other children to be sponsored. “We came across Malak in winter, she had captured so many hearts and she spoke with so much emotion,” he said.
“Her suffering healed so many others and she broke the cycle of child marriages in the camp.”.
“Many children can be forced into early marriage or work when they’re not educated,” he added, emphasising how important it is to get children to get into education so they are not forced to make difficult decisions that can hinder their life.
For Choonara however, there was a personal connection that made him so moved by Malak’s story.
“When we go into the tents, we often come with many gifts but I don’t know what exactly is in them. So we gave Malak her gift, when she opened it she took out a jewellery box and a ballerina popped out and started twirling to music.”
This was healing for me, because when I was five years old my mother left, and a jewellery box just like this is my only recollection of her,” he said.
The gift caused a flood of emotions, and allowed the AMA team and Malak’s family to bond on a deeper level.
Since being sponsored officially in 2019, Malak’s personality has completely transformed.
“All she wants is to be strong, independent and powerful,” explains Kaisi.
After spending so long being disadvantaged and lacking basic goods while living in the camps, Malak now makes a special effort to look after other needy children in the camps. From using whatever money she has to buy sweets or fruits, to taking care of others, she says she wants to dedicate her life to supporting those around her.
“She’s really focused and she wants to be something important,” says Kaisi, describing how she is highly ambitious and takes any opportunity to assist others.
“I want to be a humanitarian, and help others the same way I have been helped,” says Malak.
