Child Protection Iraq Project #21523

Yezidi Children's Safe Space

by Free Yezidi Foundation

Project Report | Mar 5, 2025
Standing Strong in the Face of Uncertainty

By Olivia Wells | Programs Director

Dear Friends and Supporters,

FYF’s mission—to uplift and support Yezidis through justice, recovery, and empowerment—has never been more critical. Yet, the ongoing U.S. government foreign aid freeze continues to impact our work and our team, placing vital programs at risk.

Despite these challenges, we remain resolute. From contributing to a landmark ISIS genocide conviction in Sweden to speaking with The New York Times about the thousands of missing Yezidis, FYF continues to fight for justice and accountability. At the same time, we celebrate the resilience of our community—highlighted by the stories of women like Antisar, who gained confidence and skills at FYF’s Enterprise and Training Center, and the 120 graduates who completed intensive courses in Financial Literacy and English Language.

Now more than ever, we need your support. With funding delays threatening essential programs, your contributions can make a direct impact—ensuring that Yezidis receive the protection, education, and economic opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.

FYF'S WORK WITH MISSING YEZIDIS FEATURED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES

FYF and others recently spoke with The New York Times about one of the most painful and unresolved tragedies facing the Yezidi community: the fate of more than 2,600 Yezidis abducted by ISIS during the Yezidi Genocide.

More than a decade has passed, yet the search for our missing loved ones continues. For Yezidi families, the daily anguish of not knowing the fate of their daughters, sons, mothers, and fathers is indescribable.

The article underscores the glaring absence of an international mechanism to locate and rescue the thousands of Yezidis who remain missing.

“The task has been taken up by a sprawling network of activists, survivors, family members, informants, and amateur detectives…” – New York Times

Cases of missing Yezidis remain active, including in Syria and Turkey. FYF remains steadfast in our commitment to this cause. We will not stop searching until every abducted Yezidi is found.

FYF CONTRIBUTES TO SWEDEN'S LANDMARK ISIS GENOCIDE CONVICTION

In a historic ruling, a Swedish court has convicted Lina Ishaq, a 52-year-old Swedish citizen, of genocide, crimes against humanity, and gross war crimes against the Yezidi people. This marks Sweden’s first conviction related to ISIS’s atrocities against the Yezidis and the country’s first-ever genocide conviction in any context.

Ishaq traveled to Syria in 2014 to join ISIS, where she enslaved Yezidi women and children, forced them to convert, and subjected them to abuse. She also played a role in transferring captives to other ISIS members. Previously, she was sentenced for allowing her 12-year-old son to become an ISIS child soldier.

FYF played a crucial role in this trial, with its Executive Director providing expert testimony that contributed to the court's understanding of the crimes committed against the Yezidis. This verdict is a step toward justice, but much work remains to hold perpetrators accountable and support survivors.

A FUTURE FILLED WITH POSSIBILITIES: ANTISAR'S JOURNEY OF GROWTH AND EMPOWERMENT

At FYF’s Enterprise and Training Center (ETC), Yezidi women like Antisar find a holistic hub of empowerment. In one safe and nurturing space, Antisar accessed bakery training, financial literacy, and English language classes, gaining the confidence and skills to transform her life.

Through this comprehensive support system, Antisar perfected her baking, took an active role in managing her family’s finances, and rekindled her love for learning. Now, she feels empowered to pursue new opportunities and contribute to her community’s growth.

Read Antisar’s inspiring journey of resilience and transformation.

CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT: 120 GRADUATES TAKE A STEP TOWARD A BRIGHTER FUTURE

This month, we proudly celebrate the graduation of 120 students who completed 7 months of intensive courses in Financial Literacy and English Language! These courses are more than just academic achievements—they’re stepping stones to enhanced employability, access to higher education, and a stronger grasp of financial management at the household level.

Designed specifically to empower women, girls, and youth, these courses are a powerful tool to help reclaim agency, boost confidence, and unlock new opportunities.

Held at FYF’s ETC—a holistic hub of support—students not only gained valuable skills, but they also had access to essential services like protection, MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support), legal aid, and livelihood opportunities. All of these services are provided within a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded of the transformative power of education and holistic support in creating lasting change for individuals and communities.

FYF HOSTS WOMEN'S NETWORKING AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FORUM

In February, FYF hosted a Women’s Networking and Economic Empowerment Forum for 106 incredible women who completed our vocational training in crafts and baking, as well as education courses in Financial Literacy and English.

As the program concludes, this forum provided a valuable space for women to connect with women-led businesses, female entrepreneurs, and professionals—expanding their networks, exchanging insights, and accessing job opportunities for long-term employment.

At FYF, we believe that empowering women with skills and economic opportunities leads to sustainable financial independence, reducing reliance on external aid and fostering resilience.

We were proud to host this event at our ETC—a hub dedicated to uplifting vulnerable women and girls through comprehensive support services and income-generating pathways.

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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Mar 5, 2025
Stand With FYF

By Olivia Wells | Programs Director

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Happy New Year! As we reflect on 2024, FYF is proud to celebrate a year of transformative impact. At the same time, like many other organizations, we are concerned by recent US Government decisions that have significantly affected our programs and the hard-working FYF team. Dozens of our staff members have been furloughed and beneficiary cases have been halted for the time being due to this decision. While we are hopeful that our US-funded projects will be restored after the three-month governmental review, we are also asking friends and supporters to help us during this time of uncertainty.

In 2024, FYF empowered women through artisan and vocational training programs and provided education, protection, and mental health support to vulnerable communities. Our efforts have reached hundreds of women, children, and youth. Together, we’ve helped build brighter futures through economic empowerment, skills enhancement, and holistic trauma recovery. Looking ahead to 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to foster resilience, restore hope, and create sustainable opportunities for those most in need. Thank you for standing with us as we continue this vital work!

EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH SKILLS ENHANCEMENT

In 2024, FYF launched livelihoods programs focused on enhancing women’s economic empowerment through skills development and sustainable income generation.

Artisan Training Program: 16 women honed their craft skills, creating unique Chonky Animals and handmade products—opening doors to economic independence and sustainable income.

Bakery Training Program: 10 women learned valuable baking skills, gaining the tools for long-term economic stability and creating a path toward financial empowerment.

Skills Training in Crafts, Sewing, and Baking: 72 women completed hands-on vocational training, learning crafts, sewing, and baking skills that support their families and offer hope for a brighter future.

At FYF, we believe that empowering women with skills training and income-generating opportunities drives lasting change. By breaking the cycles of poverty and fostering financial independence, we create a future where women can thrive and reach their full potential.

BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES WITH FYF

At FYF, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. In 2024, we reached 166 displaced women, girls, and boys in Khanke, offering English, Arabic, and Financial Literacy classes to help them build brighter futures.

Our English Access Microscholarship Program in Sheikhan supported 144 youth, equipping them with the language skills and confidence to pursue higher education and job opportunities.

Critical Thinking & Creative Learning: At FYF, we prioritize fostering critical thinking by encouraging students to analyze, question, and solve problems. This approach develops the skills they need to overcome challenges and thrive in all aspects of life.

Together, we’re building a future where vulnerable women, children, and youth can reach their full potential.

PROTECTION & MENTAL HEALTH: HOLISTIC TRAUMA RECOVERY

In 2024, FYF provided essential protection and mental health services to help rebuild lives after trauma:

Raising Awareness: 172 people participated in sessions preventing child, early, and forced marriages, while 136 learned about women’s and minorities’ rights.

Engaging Men for Change: 137 men took part in anger management and positive masculinity sessions, fostering healthy relationships and positive coping mechanisms.

Mental Health & PSS: 1,175 individuals received case management, therapy, legal aid, and psychosocial support to heal and regain hope.

Legal Support: 202 individuals attended sessions on the Yezidi Survivors Law, and 87 survivors received support to apply for reparations.

Together, we restore dignity, hope, and opportunity.

MORE THAN JUST A TOY: A STORY OF RESILIENCE

Meet Kafia, a Yezidi woman from Sinjar, who turned her creativity into a lifeline for survivors of the Yezidi Genocide.

In the aftermath of unimaginable hardship, Kafia was tasked by FYF's Executive Director to begin working on FYF's new project: hand-crafted children's chunky stuffed animals, starting with a sheep and a bear. The FYF Chonky Animal® line has now grown into a powerful initiative, providing displaced Yezidi women with sustainable income.

For these survivors, crafting is more than just a skill—it’s a source of healing and empowerment. The income they earn helps cover essentials like school supplies, medical expenses, and other critical needs.

Every toy carries a story of resilience and hope. By purchasing one, you’re supporting Yezidi women as they rebuild their lives.

Order from anywhere in the world and join us in making a difference: https://freeyezidi.org/chonky-animals/

CELEBRATING CULTURE AND ACHIEVEMENT

To mark the end of an incredible year, FYF hosted a Traditional Day Party for our students in the English Access Microscholarship Program in Sheikhan.

Our students showcased their cultures by dressing in traditional clothing, preparing delicious traditional dishes, and sharing what makes their traditions both unique and interconnected. It was a beautiful celebration of diversity, social cohesion, and the hard work our students have put into their studies in 2024.

We’re so proud of the progress our students have made during the first year of the program. Here’s to another year of learning, growth, and community building!

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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Jan 27, 2025
Pathways of Resilience

By Olivia Wells | Programs Director

Dear Friends and Supporters,

This month’s newsletter weaves together stories of resilience, empowerment, and community. From the launch of FYF's new Iraqi Female Changemakers project, empowering minority women across Iraq to lead in civic and political spaces, to our English Access students uplifting youth through sports and creativity at Essian IDP camp, each story is a testament to the power of individuals coming together for collective progress. We also celebrate the achievements of our first cohort of livelihoods graduates, equipped to build sustainable futures, and honor the Yezidi community’s Jama Feast at Lalish—a profound reminder of cultural strength and unity. Join us as we highlight these inspiring steps forward for women, youth, and minority communities in Iraq.

FYF LAUNCHES NEW IRAQI FEMALE CHANGEMAKERS PROJECT

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of FYF’s new initiative, Iraqi Female Changemakers, a transformative project spanning nine locations across Iraq and implemented with a consortium of female-led Iraqi NGOs, including Asuda for Combating Violence Against Women, Baghdad Women Association, and Al-Taqwa Association for Woman and Child Rights.

This project empowers women from religious and ethnic minority communities to become active in civic and political advocacy, working toward protective legislation on issues like SGBV, child marriage, and equal access to jobs and education.

Engaging local communities on key topics—such as the prevention of SGBV and child, marriage, women’s and minorities’ rights, and the importance of women’s civic engagement—this project aims to increase rights awareness and reporting of violations, and encourage positive community support for women’s political participation.

SPREADING JOY AT ESSIAN IDP CAMP

Our talented students from FYF's English Access Microscholarship Program are making a difference. Recently, they organized a special day full of sports, arts, and fun for the children at Essian IDP camp.

The students' community projects are all about uplifting and giving back to their fellow community members, bringing joy and creating positive experiences beyond camp life.

Together, we aim to support the children's mental well-being and provide a creative outlet where they can express themselves freely. Thank you to our amazing students for giving back in such a meaningful way!

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SPORTS

As part of our final community initiative in our English Access Microscholarship Program, our amazing students organized a sports day filled with fun activities for children and youth. This event aimed to uplift vulnerable members of the community by promoting teamwork, fitness, and joy through sports.

Our students have worked hard to create positive change, and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication. Here’s to empowering our future leaders and making a lasting impact on the lives of others!

GRADUATION OF OUR FIRST COHORT OF LIVELIHOODS BENEFICIARIES

We are thrilled to celebrate the graduation of our first cohort of livelihoods beneficiaries from the project “Empowering Religious and Ethnic Minority (REM) Women in Iraq: Holistic Solutions for Sustainable Income Generation.”

After 2.5 months of hard work and dedication, 36 incredible women have completed vocational training in baking and crafts-making, along with courses in English language and financial literacy. This achievement marks a significant step toward sustainable income generation and empowerment for these talented women.

Join us in congratulating them on their achievements and supporting their journey towards a brighter future!

YEZIDIS GATHER AT LALISH TO CELEBRATE JAMA FEAST

Earlier this month, Yezidis gathered at the sacred Lalish Temple to celebrate Jama Feast, one of the oldest and most cherished Yezidi holidays. This week-long celebration unites Yezidis from around the world, featuring special rituals, festive meals, and traditional religious dances.

After being paused for years following the tragic Yezidi Genocide in 2014, Jama resumed in 2018, symbolizing the resilience and enduring spirit of the Yezidi community.

Join us in celebrating the revival of our traditions and the unity that defines our people!

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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