US delegation visits FYF Enterprise & Training Center

FYF was pleased to host a senior delegation from the United States at our Enterprise & Training Center today. The delegation, including US State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Joey Hood and several US Embassy and Consulate staff members, visited the Yezidi crafts and enterprise initiative and the Sugar is Sweet bakery and café. Both initiatives are run completely by Yezidi women. It is important that Yezidi community members build tools and experience in business, enterprise, and workplace practice to increase economic strength in the community. These business and training efforts have two outcomes. First, many such community-led initiatives aid in the rebuilding of the spirit and hope of the surviving community, after many years of displacement. Second, this provides Yezidis with income and the capacity for future employment or small to medium enterprise initiatives.

In addition, the visiting American delegation met with two FYF teams implementing US Government funded grants to advance and protect the rights and well-being of Yezidis and other minority community members. We were pleased to see members of the delegation purchasing some hand-crafted items made by Yezidi artisans, in addition to the drinks and sweets from the Yezidi-run Sugar is Sweet café.