Recognising Maldivian children's resilience
Every year, TIME publishes their Asian Hero edition, highlighting 20 exceptional people. This is the story of one of them.
When TIME international were looking for a young person to represent all the children of the tsunami they found the perfect example; 14 year old Maldivian Zaeema Ismail.
Zaeema, who lives on Dhaal atoll is like so many other young people who survived the December tidal wave; she is a quiet hero.
Zaeema came to UNICEF's attention when child protection officer, Mohamed Naeem visited Dhaal to provide assistance for people traumatized by the tsunami. During that January 2005 meeting, Zaeema stepped forward.
"It struck me as highly unusual," says Naeem, "We Maldivians don't like asking for help, no matter how desperate the circumstances. And for a young girl to do it was extraordinary. She has such courage."
Zaeema told Naeem that when the wave hit she had grabbed her three year old brother and held him above the incoming waves. (The family home, indeed, the entire island where they lived was wiped out and due to its vulnerability, will not be resettled).
Zaeema said her brother suffered from nightmares and daytime terrors. Her mother, Faheema, was distraught, in shock and unable to look after the family. Nor was she able to look after herself. Simple tasks like bathing, eating, cooking and feeding the family were beyond her. Zaeema's beloved grandmother was drowned in the wave. Dad was in Male' ? his job as a fisherman keeps him away for months at a time.
The trauma visited on the family was enormous.
Zaeema stepped into the breach to provide comfort and structure for the family. She was all at once mother, carer, cleaner, janitor, and counselor. She was reluctant to mention her own state of mind to Naeem. Her concerns were for her mother, brother and two younger sisters. How could she help them through this period of intense emotion and anguish?
Only later was it discovered that Zaeema too was suffering from nightmares. "I wake up in terror," she said "and then I pray."
For now home is in temporary and cramped accommodation in an internally displaced people's camp. Zaeema attends school and wants more than anything, for life to return to normal.
Time reporter Alex Perry was struck by Zaeema's quiet dignity. "She revived her family from inconsolable loss and keeps it together," says the South Asia Bureau Chief. "The deftness with which she navigates both Maldivian mores and the intricate social balance of her family, and her courage and smiling determination, will stay with us for a long time."
And of becoming an Asian hero? "I am a simple girl" says Zaeema. "and all I did was something simple."
Time "Asian Hero" edition is published this week.
For more information please contact :Virginia MoncrieffCommunications and Media OfficerPhone : + 960 3322 017Cell : + 960 77 88 096Fax : + 960 3326 469Email : vmoncrieff@unicef.org