Changed Life Story: Crystal
When Crystal* first entered ANIJA School as a preschooler, she was a bright and cheerful girl. She loved sports, always wore a smile, and eagerly joined in class activities. Though her family lived in deep poverty, her parents were attentive and deeply committed to her well-being. They faithfully attended parent workshops and school events, eager to walk alongside the school in caring for their daughter.
But during the pandemic, Crystal’s world collapsed. Her mother left home, and though she briefly took Crystal with her, she eventually left for another relationship—leaving Crystal to be raised alone by her father. Since then, she has only seen her mother a handful of times. The loss was heartbreaking.
Her teachers noticed the change immediately. The once-joyful student became withdrawn and anxious, crying nearly every day at school. The impact of abandonment was so severe it triggered physical symptoms like fevers. “It affected her in a way like almost no other child,” recalls Nany, ANIJA’s social worker. “She was suffering very deeply.”
The ANIJA team responded with holistic, wraparound care. Through care grounded in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), they helped Crystal manage her anxiety and learn new ways to express her emotions. Fabiola, the school psychologist, developed a special bond with her—becoming a trusted mentor and secure place as she began to heal. The school also provided counseling for both Crystal and her father, provided additional intervention with outside psychologists, and met practical needs by supplying groceries, school supplies, and dental care. Little by little, Crystal started to regain trust and hope.
This fall, her return to ANIJA School for sixth grade has been nothing short of inspiring.
“She comes to school without crying, is participating in games, is smiling, and is always cheerful,” Nany shared. “She’s staying in the classroom, raising her hand, participating in classes. So, all the work we did last year—and even before—now we are starting to see the result.”
Crystal’s journey is still unfolding, but her progress is a testament to the power of holistic care and God’s faithful love. Through the dedication of teachers and counselors, the support of her father, and the generosity of partners who make this ministry possible, Crystal is experiencing healing.
“We are grateful to the Lord for the progress she has made,” Nany reflected. “It has also been thanks to all the TBRI strategies, the orientation team, teamwork with teachers, the parent school, and connecting the family with others who could provide follow-up. It has been a team effort. We are grateful to see a life changed. We know there’s still much ahead, that the journey isn’t over, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel—and God has been good.”
As God continues to write Crystal’s story, we count it a tremendous blessing to walk alongside her with interventions that bring tangible transformation. Though her life continues to have hardship, her family always has the support of a staff that love and care for them. We give thanks to God for the privilege of being His hands and feet—offering holistic education and care that opens the door to healing and hope.
*name changed for anonymity, student not pictured 
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