Street Lawyers, Doctors, Hope Buses for Iraqi Kids

Dear Friends,

Thanks to you, this fall brought some of the best news we have shared in a long time. In September, 150 children graduated from our three Hope Buses in Baghdad, a new group of 150 children began their own Hope Bus year, and a new ICF-supported clinic for children with disabilities opened in Basra. Here is what your generosity made possible from July through September 2026.

150 Hope Bus Graduates
After a year of learning on board three Hope Buses, all 150 children in this year’s class graduated in September. Each bus is a colorful, child-friendly classroom for some of Baghdad’s poorest children, including orphans, street children and child laborers. Alongside lessons and tutoring, the children receive nutritious meals and social support, and our Street Lawyers help families get the identity documents a child needs to enroll in public school.

The Hope Bus exists to bring children into regular school. So far, 53 of our graduates have enrolled in school for the 2026–2027 year. School registration was delayed this year, and our team is continuing to help the remaining graduates and their families through enrollment. We will share an update in our next report.

150 New Children Begin Their Journey
As one class moved on, a new group of 150 children started on the Hope Buses in September. For them, the year ahead means a safe place to learn, a daily meal and caring adults looking out for them.

A New Disability Clinic in Basra
ICF has opened a new clinic for children with disabilities in Basra, our first in southern Iraq, building on our clinic in Fallujah. The clinic operates inside a government health center, Saturday through Thursday. In mid-September a new doctor joined the team, medication was stocked and physical therapy equipment was being delivered. The clinic is designed to offer medical consultations and assessments, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and essential medication and supplies for children with disabilities. As families learn about the clinic, the team expects to welcome 15 to 20 children each week.

Street Lawyers: Standing Up for Children
From July to September, our Street Lawyers gave free legal defense to 89 children (272 so far in 2026). Of 81 cases closed, 74 ended without prison for the child, and all 40 children arrested for begging were released to their families. Our lawyers also helped 95 children get ID documents, which open the door to school, health care and legal protection.

Thank You
Every one of these milestones began with a gift. Your support put 150 children on the path to school, welcomed 150 more, and is bringing ICF-supported disability care to southern Iraq for the first time. Please consider renewing your support or becoming a monthly donor, so the new Hope Bus class and the Basra clinic can keep growing. A gift of $15 a month, just 50 cents a day, makes a real difference.