Meet the team: Rougesh from our Child Protection project

Rougesh is Psychosocial Activities Supervisor, working on our Child Protection programme with UNHCR.

During the conflict, she had to quit her studies at university in Damascus in Syria, and in July 2012 survived a terrifying airstrike that hit her family’s home. Then, when they fled, their bus was attacked by militia and they narrowly escaped another huge explosion.

Rougesh began working as a volunteer in the humanitarian sector, specialising in Child Protection, and she later became a facilitator for a large international NGO. After spending almost nine years working with vulnerable children in various different roles, she applied to work within the Lotus Flower’s Child Protection project funded by UNHCR, and after being successful in her interview, began working as PSS Activities supervisor with us in January this year.

Here we find out what she makes of her role…

What's the best thing about your job, Rougesh?
"Everything is good about my job! But especially seeing the smiles on children's faces. The activities we do in out-of-camp areas are also new to the children, and that makes me happy too."

Tell us something that we might not know about your role?

"Working within the host community is a new experience for me, and it’s also been my first time to supervise four host community staff and also the beneficiaries. It has been a new and joyful experience for me.”

Can you remember any time when you feel that you’ve personally made a difference?

"One nice story about my role is that I helped save a girl from child marriage when she was only 12 years old. She still sends me letters telling me how grateful she is that we could make this change in her life.”

Finally, what do you hope to achieve through your work in future?

"I hope to deliver Child Protection services in new locations and help grow the Lotus Flower within the community. I’d also like to help stop Child Protection concerns everywhere in the world."