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Rising from the Flames – Samavia’s Journey at Aghaaz Center

Nineteen-year-old Samavia Akhunzada from Peshawar faced a life-altering tragedy when a severe accident left her and her cousins badly burned, claiming the life of one cousin. Struggling with physical and emotional trauma, Samavia found strength in her father, friends, and eventually through support at the Aghaaz Center, a safe space established by UNFPA with the support from Government of the Netherlands. Art became her outlet for healing, and despite her initial hesitation, she began sharing her journey during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Today, through her social media page Biya’s Creativity, Samavia inspires others by transforming her pain into resilience and hope.

Nineteen-year-old Samavia Akhunzada, a resident of Budhni on the outskirts of Peshawar, had always been a bright and ambitious student, pursuing a degree in nutrition at the College of Home Economics, University of Peshawar. But one tragic day changed everything. A devastating accident left Samavia and two of her cousins with severe burns on their faces and hands. One of her cousins did not survive. The physical pain was unbearable—but the emotional scars ran even deeper.

This incident turned me into an overthinker. Losing my cousin and going through those painful surgeries were some of the hardest things I've ever faced. Most days, I feel uncertain and vulnerable—like my confidence has just slipped away. But even in those dark moments, there’s always been a light. For me, that light is my father and my friends. They’ve never let me feel alone. They’ve always been there, encouraging me, pulling me back into life, reminding me to keep going. In the months that followed, even attending family gatherings became difficult.

"I was scared to go. It hurts when people bring up the accident—I felt exposed and small. But my father kept pushing me, encouraging me to face the world again. He even made sure I sat for my exams, even if it meant doing so in a wheelchair. His strength became my strength, even when I felt like giving up". Things began to shift when Samavia discovered the Aghaaz Center, established by UNFPA with support from the Government of the Netherlands, right on her college campus.

Finding out about the Aghaaz Center felt like a blessing. I found the courage to ask the facilitator for psychological sessions—because ever since the trauma, even starting a conversation has felt impossible. Speaking became so hard, even when I wanted to. Having this support within the college makes it easier. Going somewhere else would have felt overwhelming, but this space made me feel safe and hopeful.

As she began to heal, Samavia turned to art—something she had always loved—to help her cope. "I love painting because it helps me express what words often can't. It’s my way of letting out stress and turning my emotions into something I can see and feel. Every brushstroke gives voice to what’s inside me".

Her art speaks of both pain and healing. "The flowers in my art piece represent healing—the love and support I receive from my friends and family. The flame, though, represents the depression that came with the burns. It’s a contrast—the light that lifts me and the fire that once consumed me".

When Mental Health Awareness Week was announced at college, She hesitated—but her friends wouldn’t let her stay on the sidelines. "I was unsure about joining at first. But my friends encouraged me to take part. So, I picked up my pencil and tried to draw what’s been weighing on my mind—what’s affected me so deeply. It wasn’t easy, but it felt like a small step toward healing".

She believes that safe spaces like the Aghaaz Center are life-changing for many, especially for girls who cannot easily seek psychological help elsewhere. "Establishing spaces like this means everything. I’ve already requested regular sessions, hoping they’ll help me work through the trauma I still carry. I believe this is the beginning of something better—something healing".

Today, Samavia, along with many other young women, is learning to embrace her story—not as a tragedy, but as a testament to resilience. With newfound strength, she is stepping forward—proving that beauty isn’t just in appearances, but in courage, determination, and the will to rise again. Through her social media page 'Biya’s Creativity' she now shares her artwork and her journey, inspiring others to find light in the darkest places.

Rising from the Flames – Samavia’s Journey at Aghaaz Center

Rising from the Flames – Samavia’s Journey at Aghaaz Center

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