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Under the patronage of Iraq’s First Lady, KSC has made remarkable strides over the last year, reaching over 30,000 beneficiaries through various initiatives.
Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) proudly celebrates its 33rd anniversary, marking over three decades of unwavering dedication to the welfare of children throughout the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
KSC was founded by former First Lady of Iraq Hero Ibrahim Ahmad in 1991, in the wake of the uprisings in Iraq which resulted in 1.5 million Kurds fleeing their homes to find safety in the mountains or neighboring Iran, Turkey and Western countries. The humanitarian catastrophe compelled the UN Security Council to issue Resolution 688, which announced a no-fly zone over Kurdish territory in northern Iraq. During this period, the Kurdish population faced severe hardships, including widespread hunger and cold weather, leading to the deaths of many children.
Over the years, KSC – a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization – has remained a steadfast advocate for children, regardless of race, gender, political and religious differences, providing hope for a better life despite the immense challenges and offering essential support to create lasting change.
Today, under the patronage of Iraq’s First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, KSC continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the lives of children through comprehensive programs and initiatives. “KSC remains resolute in its mission to provide hope, support and opportunities for every child,” says KSC President Sara Rashid. “The dedication of our staff, the generosity of our supporters, and the resilience of the children we serve continue to inspire our work.”
Legacy of Empowerment and Support
In addressing the diverse and complex needs of children in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, KSC programs take a multi-faceted holistic approach.
Education Program
In line with its stated mission to ensure that every child has access to quality education, KSC has made remarkable strides over the last year, reaching a total of 2,107 beneficiaries through various initiatives.
• Over 300 students attended Shahid Jabbar Exemplary High School, and 91 students participated in their summer course.
• 163 youth benefited from training courses in Qushtapa and Darashakran camps.
• 305 children received educational support at the Children’s Activity Center-Chwarta.
• 847 benefited from services at the Children’s Activity Center – Arbat.
• 175 children attended the Kaziwa Kindergarten at Arbat camp.
• 1,185 children received Non-Formal Education (NFE) Needs Assessments.
• 20 youths took part in training courses conducted in four schools.
• 187 children were given appropriate care by the Educational Training Centre for Children with Special Needs.
Child Protection
Since its establishment, KSC’s Child Protection Program has worked toward creating a protective environment for children, free from violence and exploitation. This year the program achieved significant milestones, including case management for 253 children, income generation for 9 foster parents, and legal services for 99 children. The program also provided school clothes and stationery for 81 children, and removed 414 children from dangerous environments. Awareness activities reached 519 working children, 414 parents, and 395 citizens. Additionally, 397 workplace visits were conducted, leading to the closure of 25 places and warnings issued to 3 places by the Child Protection Committee for violation of child labor laws.
Sponsorship
A key component of the Child Protection Program, the Sponsorship Project provided cash assistance to 752 families and conducted case management for 65 children. The project also supported low-income families with equipment (527 beneficiaries) and distributed food baskets to 1,155 families.
Income generation projects were launched in Chamchamal, Kalar, Slemani, Halabja, Koya, Qaladize, and Kirkuk, including tailoring projects, bakeries, and shops, resulting in 11 revenue-generating projects.
Partnership with UNHCR
In partnership with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), KSC implemented initiatives focused on refugee protection and assistance. Over the past nine months:
• Case management was provided for 1,473 children, with 203 receiving physiotherapy treatment.
• The Best Interest Assessment was conducted for 1,432 children, and structured psychosocial support reached 647 children and adolescents.
• Best Interest Determination was conducted for 19 children, and 430 parents participated in parenting courses.
• 227 community members, 150 NGO staff, and 90 government staff received child protection training.
• Awareness activities engaged 3,176 people, and informal psychosocial support was provided to 4,535 children.
Health Program
Since its inception in 2005, KSC’s Health Program has been pivotal in providing essential medical care to children across various communities. This year, the program achieved significant milestones:
• 231 children with disease underwent surgery.
• 72 benefited from therapeutic Catheterizations.
• 12 disabled children received wheelchairs
• Medicines were purchased to 366 children.
• 41 children received hearing aids and treatment.
• The International Medical Team conducted several significant activities, including spinal surgeries by Dr. Kardo Salahaddin, and burns support.
• Several children were selected for surgery by the Swiss Cross Medical Team.
• Heart disease treatment was provided by the Kafeel Medical Team.
• Medical equipment and supplies were donated to hospitals.
• Various facilities were renovated, including the Helena Center and the Thalassemia Center.
• Renovating the Thalassemia Center and providing 40 Infusion pumps in Slemani city.
• Providing 15 incubators, 40 Infusion pumps for Raparin Hospital in Erbil, 1 Cpap, and 5 Inhalers for Soran district in Erbil.
ARA Project
Launched in 2013, the ARA Project offers crucial support to children with cancer. This year’s achievements include psychological and social support for 821 children with cancer, 236 children with hemophilia and other diseases, and 260 children celebrating birthdays.
Financial assistance and case management were provided to 27 children, and 607 children received gifts. The project also referred 20 children for treatment and surgery, supported 407 children through artistic activities, and provided significant financial support for treatment in various centers, including 5,000,000 Iraqi Dinars (USD$3,333) to Zhin Center and 12,128,450 Iraqi Dinars (USD$8,086) to Hiwa Hospital.
Youth Ability Development Program
KSC’s Youth Ability Development Program empowers young people to become active members of their communities. This year’s activities included operating Youth Activity Centers in Darbandikhan (403 beneficiaries),
Kalar (355), Koya (389), Khanaqin (462), and Shorsh (368).
Notable campaigns included the “Yes to Life, No to Drugs” campaign with 506 participants, the “We Protect Our Families online safety awareness campaign” awareness campaign with 409 participants, and the PDO Rights and Reproductive Health Campaign with 90 participants. The program also conducted Media Lab project in cooperation with Lens on Life organization for 16 beneficiaries, photography course for 8 staff, and a joint project with Triangle Génération Humanitaire (TGH) involving 1,795 participants.
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.
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