Her journey into fostering began years earlier, inspired by a visit to orphanages abroad that left a lasting impression—but it was at a care centre in the UAE that her path truly transformed.
In 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic confined much of the world indoors, an Emirati mother in Abu Dhabi embarked on a life-changing journey—one that began with fostering a child and grew into creating a support network for families across the UAE.
Hoda Al Mashjari, an auditing and compliance expert, is a mother of four: her biological children Alyazia, 21, and Mohammed, 19, as well as her two foster sons, Ahmad, 9, and Hamdan, 4.
Her journey into fostering started years ago, inspired by a visit to orphanages abroad that left a deep impression. Yet it was at a care centre in the UAE where everything truly changed.
She recalled the moment that would shape everything that came after.
A Long Road to Fostering
Al Mashjari admitted that she hadn’t initially known fostering was an option in the UAE. After returning from abroad, she began exploring local possibilities and formally submitted her application in 2019.
The process demanded both patience and thorough scrutiny. Authorities evaluated her home and spoke not only with her but also with her extended family to ensure a solid support system.
“They came, inspected the house, met my children… and spoke with my mother, my sister—everyone around me,” she said.
Ahmad was eventually placed in her care in 2021, during a period when she was able to stay home more—a factor she says made a crucial difference in those early days.
“Can I Do This?” — A Difficult Beginning
Soon after Ahmad joined the family, Al Mashjari began noticing behaviors that required medical attention. He was later diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
The early months were “very difficult.” Simple daily routines became challenging, and the family had to adjust quickly. There were moments, she said, when she questioned whether she could handle the responsibility.
“You sit with yourself and ask, can I do this?” she recalled.
Despite the challenges, giving up was never an option. She immersed herself in understanding his condition—consulting doctors, speaking to other mothers, and researching extensively. She explored everything from therapy to strict dietary routines, carefully monitoring how he responded.
Initially hesitant about medication, she eventually followed medical advice to help manage his attention and hyperactivity. “I read a lot and searched for anything that could help,” she said.
While Ahmad has made major progress, he continues to attend occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy sessions. “If you see him now, you wouldn’t believe it,” she said. “Alhamdulillah.”
When Systems Fall Short
Alongside the emotional and medical challenges, Al Mashjari also faced practical hurdles—particularly in accessing services. At the time, foster children did not immediately receive official identification documents, making healthcare and other essentials difficult to access.
She often had to explain Ahmad’s situation repeatedly to secure basic requirements, including Covid-related medical tests for school, navigating long processes and multiple offices to ensure he received care.
“These challenges are not unique,” she said. “If I were in another country, I couldn’t have done it.” She acknowledged the support from UAE authorities but noted, “There are still things that can be made easier.”
Growing the Family
As Ahmad grew older, Al Mashjari noticed he was becoming increasingly lonely, especially after her older children moved on to university and work. “He is very social… a leader, with a strong personality,” she said. “But he was alone.” Reflecting on that period, she explained, “A paradise without people is not a paradise”—a belief that led her to bring another child into the home.
Hamdan joined the family last year at just over three years old. The decision was driven largely by Ahmad’s need for companionship, to grow up with someone who shared a similar journey. The transition came with its own challenges: initial jealousy, adjustment, and finding a new household balance. But today, she says, “Everything is stable now.”
From Personal Struggle to Public Initiative
Al Mashjari’s experience ultimately inspired her to think beyond her own family. In 2023, she joined other foster mothers to begin what is now the Foster Families Association, officially approved in October last year with support from the Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi.
The organization does not handle child placements, which remain under official entities. Instead, it focuses on awareness, guidance, and support. “Our role is to guide people through the process, raise awareness, and support families,” she said.
Planned initiatives include awareness campaigns, legal and psychological consultation, peer support networks, and partnerships with government and private entities. A key priority is addressing gaps in access to services. Drawing from her own experience, Al Mashjari said the association hopes to build partnerships with hospitals to ensure foster children receive treatment even before official IDs are issued.
“We want agreements so children can be treated without delay,” she explained.
A Message of Hope
For Al Mashjari, fostering is not just about opening a home—it is about commitment, patience, and belief in long-term change. Her journey with Ahmad is proof that progress is possible, even when the beginning feels overwhelming.
“All this didn’t come with simple effort,” she noted. But today, the results speak for themselves.
