Seeds of Change: Uplifting Lives and Building Brighter Futures

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:

Enhance their employability and career prospects.
Boost their capacity to generate sustainable income.
Strengthen resilience in the face of challenges.
Improve overall well-being and independence.

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?

Enhance Environment: Trees contribute to a healthier environment by improving air quality and providing shade.
Community Bonding: Working together on such initiatives strengthens community ties and fosters a spirit of collaboration.
Future Impact: The trees planted today will grow into a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.

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."