By Olivia Wells | Programs Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
This month, we are thrilled to share inspiring stories of empowerment, community service, and resilience. We launched a comprehensive livelihoods and education project in Khanke to uplift over 150 minority women and girls. Our English Access Microscholarship Program students have also stepped up, planting trees in Sheikhan and organizing a food and clothing drive to support vulnerable families. Additionally, you will find uplifting beneficiary stories of women like Payman, Evana, and Shaima, who are overcoming challenges, acquiring new skills, and building brighter futures. Read on to discover more about these impactful initiatives!
FYF LAUNCHES NEW COMPREHENSIVE LIVELIHOODS AND EDUCATION PROJECT IN KHANKE
Exciting News! FYF has officially launched its new project, “Empowering Religious and Ethnic Minority (REM) Women in Iraq: Holistic Solutions for Sustainable Income Generation,” funded by the State of Baden-Württemberg.
This initiative is dedicated to empowering 150+ women and girls from religious and ethnic minority communities in Iraq by providing them with valuable skills and opportunities for a brighter future. Participants will receive hands-on training in crafts and baking, as well as courses in English language and financial literacy. The project aims to:
Together, we are building a pathway to economic empowerment and self-reliance for REM women in Iraq. Stay tuned for updates on this impactful project.
PLANTING SEEDS OF CHANGE IN SHEIKHAN
We’re thrilled to share the incredible work of our English Access Microscholarship Program students who recently participated in a heartwarming tree planting initiative!
As part of their community engagement projects, these dedicated students teamed up to develop and implement ideas that uplift and better their community. This tree planting initiative is just one of the many impactful projects aimed at improving the lives of fellow community members in Sheikhan.
Why Trees?
A big thank you to our students for their hard work and commitment to making a difference! Your efforts are helping to build a brighter, greener future for Sheikhan.
FYF STUDENTS LEAD FOOD AND CLOTHING DRIVE TO SUPPORT VULNERABLE FAMILIES
At the Free Yezidi Foundation’s English Access Microscholarship Program, our students are not just learning a new language and skills—they’re also taking action to make a meaningful difference in their communities!
As part of their recent community empowerment projects, these remarkable students organized a food and clothing drive, collecting essential items from their homes and uniting to distribute them to families most in need.
Their commitment highlights how education can inspire empathy, nurture leadership, and create real-world impact.
BENEFICIARY EMPOWERMENT STORIES
Payman, a 22-year-old from Khanke, lives with her family of eight and has always loved staying active and learning new skills. Over the years, she’s taken part in various training programs, from hairstyling to sweet-making. Most recently, she joined FYF’s Chonky Animal crocheting program, where she’s been creating adorable stuffed animals.
She believes the community’s biggest need is job opportunities, as employment not only provides financial support but also a sense of purpose. With a background in crocheting, she says, "This program has helped me make friends, open up, and improve my financial situation."
Read more of Payman's story here.
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Meet Evana, a vibrant 14-year-old from Sheikhan, living with her family of 13. She’s a dynamic teenager who loves supporting her mom at home, playing football, and reading. Through FYF’s English Access Microscholarship Program, Evana now regularly attends English language classes and enhancement activities, making new friends along the way.
“Before this program, I was afraid to speak English, worried about making mistakes in front of friends. Now, my focus is on learning, not just passing, and I speak with confidence.”
Read more of Evana's story here.
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Meet Shaima Suliman, a café worker at FYF’s “Sugar is Sweet” bakery and café. Her story reflects the resilience of Yezidi women rebuilding their lives after the 2014 Yezidi Genocide.
“As a Yezidi woman, it’s crucial to develop new skills. Many Yezidi women were illiterate and impoverished before the genocide, but through determination and support, they have made remarkable progress. FYF’s courses helped me grow and led to my job at the café, where I feel supported and empowered.”
Read more of Shaima's story here.
Thank you for standing with us as we continue this vital work. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.
Sincerely,
Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation
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By Olivia Wells | Programs Director
By Olivia Wells | Programs Director
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