Parenting is often described as a journey of love, sacrifice, and hope for the future. But for Ocen (not his real name), a refugee father living in Adjumani, this journey had turned into one of heartache.
Despite his tireless efforts—paying school fees, buying books, and encouraging his teenage son—nothing seemed to work. The boy refused to go to school. Instead, he constantly demanded money and turned away from every opportunity to learn. For Ocen and his wife, the rejection cut deep. Their dreams of giving their son a better future were slipping away. Each day brought fresh arguments, mounting frustration, and a heavy sense of helplessness.
I felt like I was failing as a father,” Ocen admitted during a CBPS session. “No matter what I
Ocen
did, it was never enough.
It was through Community-Based Psychosocial Support (CBPS) training that Ocen began to
find a new path. The sessions helped him pause, reflect, and approach his situation differently. Instead of anger and despair, he learned to listen with empathy, offer calm guidance, and rebuild trust with his son.
Slowly, Ocen’s confidence grew. He realized he could be more than just a provider—he could also be a source of emotional support and healing. He committed to applying these skills not only at home but also within his community, where many families face similar struggles of disconnection and despair.
CBPS is rooted in the belief that healing begins within families and communities. Through nurturing social support, strengthening resilience, and creating safe routines, families can overcome emotional adversity together. It doesn’t replace existing systems—it strengthens them, drawing on people’s own strengths and community bonds to turn crisis into hope.
For Ocen, the journey is ongoing. But what once felt like a dead end is now opening into a new possibility: a chance to rebuild his relationship with his son and to stand alongside other parents, proving that even in the hardest moments, healing is possible when communities come together.
