There was a time in my life when everything felt like too much to carry.
I began stuttering at age four. It was very situational, but, when I stuttered, it was often severe. I was bullied — not by strangers, but by my own family. They laughed at me, filmed embarrassing videos of me, and made fun of everything I did. I was just a child, craving love, but instead I got humiliation. The place that should’ve been my safest haven became the first battlefield.
School wasn’t any better. I faced more bullying, more judgment, more silence. I watched other kids talk, laugh, make friends… while I kept everything inside, terrified of being laughed at again. I tried to fix it. I joined sessions that taught me how to breathe correctly, how to stretch my words, how to sound more fluent. I practiced and practiced… but nothing truly changed. I still stumbled. I still froze.
Eventually, depression took over. I fell into a dark place that lasted for years. Every conversation felt like a failure. I cried often. I felt invisible. And yes… there were moments when I didn’t want to live anymore. But even in that darkness, I kept praying. I begged God for help. For peace. For something — anything — that could lift me out of that pain.
And then… I found this program, this charity, World Stop Stuttering Academy.
From the very first day, I met people who were different. Kind. Patient. Supportive. People who didn’t judge me or laugh at my mistakes. They helped me rise, step by step. People were there — present, generous, full of warmth. And I’m forever grateful to each one of them. Because of this program, I began to speak without fear. I smiled as I spoke. I started to believe in myself. And little by little… I found my voice.
I’m not the same person anymore. This journey changed me completely — and I’m finally proud of who I’ve become. I no longer stutter, and I am working on teaching myself to love to speak everywhere, and I am determined to do it.
Fatima, Algeria, June 2025