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‘By focusing our efforts on strengthening government programs and ensuring proper implementation of inclusive education policies, we can reach more children and create lasting change.’ – KSC President Sara Rashid
Slemani, Iraq – After a decade of dedicated service, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) is transitioning its approach to supporting children with special needs. Originally launched as a five-year pilot project, the rehabilitation center was designed with the long-term goal of being integrated into the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) services. While KSC extended its support for an additional five years to facilitate this transition, challenges remain in fully transferring management to the regional government. As a result, KSC is now exploring ways to continue advocating for and assisting children with special needs in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Over the past 10 years, KSC has invested significant resources to sustain the center, including financial support for specialized staff, with a staff-to-child ratio of 1:3. The facility also requires urgent renovations, which the regional government has committed to undertaking once the handover is complete. However, the sustainability of operating a stand-alone center remains a challenge.
As part of our evolving strategy, KSC is shifting its focus towards strengthening the broader system for children with special needs. While the center has provided invaluable support to those who could access it, many children across the region remain underserved. Our goal is to expand our impact by working within the education system to ensure inclusive and sustainable solutions.
“This was not an easy decision, but we believe it is the right one for the future of children with special needs in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” said Sara Rashid, President of Kurdistan Save the Children. “By focusing our efforts on strengthening government programs and ensuring proper implementation of inclusive education policies, we can reach more children and create lasting change.”
A ministerial order has been issued for children with special needs to be integrated into schools through dedicated resource rooms, but implementation has been inconsistent. KSC is committed to supporting this process, ensuring children receive the necessary resources and assistance within the school system. Additionally, we will focus on strengthening existing government centers for children with special needs, fostering long-term sustainability and accessibility.
“Unfortunately, NGOs do not have unlimited funds, and we have to work hard to prioritize our resources to make the biggest impact,” said Shler Sardar, Programme Director at KSC. “By shifting our focus to strengthening government services and promoting inclusive education, we can reach more children in a sustainable way.”
To support families and children during this transition, KSC will ensure that children are referred to existing government centers and schools to continue receiving the care and education they need. We will also maintain support groups for families and integrate activities for children with special needs at Sarra Children’s Activity Center, ensuring they continue to have access to safe, inclusive, and engaging spaces.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the honorable staff who have worked tirelessly over the past decade to provide care and support to these children. Their dedication, compassion and hard work have made a lasting impact on the lives of many families and we truly appreciate their unwavering commitment.
KSC remains deeply committed to advocating for and supporting children with special needs in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. This transition allows us to reach more children, create lasting change and contribute to a more inclusive education system for all.
For more information about KSC’s education initiatives, please contact: kozhe@ksc-kcf.org
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information
Contact: press@ksc-kcf.org
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/