In less than a month, the YMCA counselor visited him and offered help. Mohammed received counseling sessions during which he was able to release the accumulated hard feelings he had inside, “They pushed me to say things I didn’t want to say, but it really helped me a lot”. Mohammed had no intentions or capacities to continue school, therefore the counselor started career counseling with him and noticed that Mohammed was talented in arts and design, a talent that both his family and his counselor encouraged him to pursue. The counselor referred him to the Vocational Assessment Unit at the YMCA to further examine his mental and physical abilities as well as his inclinations, and then he facilitated financial support to cover the training program in design for Mohammed. Mohammed works vigorously to save money and buy a professional camera. He is planning to become a photographer in the future.

It is worth noting that Mohammed’s two siblings, one is an ex-detainee and the other was injured by the Military, received psychosocial support through the YMCA. Their mother as well was helped to deal with her sons and take care of her psychological wellbeing. The YMCA counselors continue to check on Mohammed especially that the military keep going back to him and arresting him. Fortunately, he has developed good coping mechanisms and he is doing very well.