7/25/2025 India (International Christian Concern) — Not long ago, 7-year-old Fatima desperately needed an escape from the daily violence at her home in a remote village in India’s Telangana state. 

Her father, who struggled with alcohol addiction, would return home drunk nearly every night and beat Fatima’s mother in front of her. Fatima’s mental health suffered greatly from the constant exposure to the abuse. Her father’s addiction also affected her family’s finances, leaving them struggling to afford necessities like food and school fees.   

Trapped in a cycle of hunger and emotional distress, and unable to attend school, Fatima’s future seemed hopeless. Then God helped pull her out of her despair. Staff at International Christian Concern’s (ICC) nearby Hope House visited Fatima’s family. They provided much-needed counselling and encouraged Fatima’s mother to allow Fatima to attend classes through the Hope House.  

Today, Fatima is one of the 30 children who regularly attend classes at the Hope House.  

“I never thought I would go back to school again,” she said.  

When Fatima first attended classes, she was quiet and withdrawn. Gradually, she began to read and engage with her lessons. More importantly, her teacher saw her potential and nurtured it with care. Today, Fatima is one of the brightest students in her class. 

“They didn’t teach me only subjects,” Fatima said. “They gave me hope, confidence, and a chance to dream again.”  

Fatima’s mother said she is grateful for her daughter’s education.  

“If it wasn’t for Hope House, Fatima would have never gone back to school,” she said. 

She’s also grateful for how Hope House has cared for her family’s well-being. In addition to the counselling services, Hope House staff provided her family with nutritional support. 

“The food at home is barely enough,” Fatima’s mother said. “The snacks and fruit at Hope House make a real difference. Not just for Fatima but for many children who face similar struggles.” 

Hope House currently serves more than 250 underprivileged children in eight locations throughout India. If you would like to support ICC’s Hope Houses, please visit our website.  

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