"I want to go to school so that I can laugh and play with my friends. "
This story is about a very young boy, Anaas, who lives in Talab Katta, an impoverished area in Hyderabad, India where our trainers Javeed and Shabana lead weekly Practice Peace Sessions. Last year, the school Principal told Javeed about a student who used to cry in school but nobody knew why. When approached, Anaas said if "they forced him to go to school, he would slit his wrist and die."
A shocking statement for a boy of only four years old. Javeed soon found out that Ananias was a terrified kid who experienced violence at home and school daily. He was becoming violent with others and himself. Upon Javeed's request, the school agreed to have Anaas come to school for morning Practice Peace Sessions only, taking him out of the classroom temporarily. Anaas has shown astounding progress over the last year, but it all started with very small steps.
Day 1 - In the first Practice Peace Session, all the children played but when Javeed sat with Anaas and talked about his friends, family, his likes, and dislikes he was so afraid that he was shaking while talking.
Day 2 - Anaas smiled at Javeed when he entered the room and stood next to him throughout the session.
Day 3 - Anaas began interacting with other kids in the Play for Peace circle and laughing with them. 3 months later - Anaas opened up and made friends during the Practice Peace Sessions. He became interested in being in the classroom with his friends and began a regular school schedule. Teachers gave Anaas positive feedback noting that he started reading, and was polite and friendly with other kids.
6 months later - It took Anaas more than six months to start openly liking his school, friends, and teachers. Now he is the most playful boy in our session. Anaas' mother is happy to see him enjoying his school and thanks Javeed with tears in her eyes. Anaas was recently promoted to his next grade as he did an excellent job in annual exams. His future is a much brighter one.
