Kurdistan Save the Children

Many people have written about how they can help the children in Iraq. I began vetting, or scoping out NGO’s (Non Government Organizations) who have a firm foundation and strong programs. In addition, I have met with “up and coming” NGO’s who are developing strong programs but are still getting established, including training on organizational management and governance (more about these organizations in future posts).

I visited with Kurdistan Save the Children whose work expands Kurdistan and includes Baghdad. They are strong in education, youth centers and cultural centers, which they call Kaziwa which means ‘dawn’ in Kurdish. I visited one center in Sulaimaniya and was so pleased at the hard work four young men have accomplished over the years. They have developed a large youth center with many activities including sports, art, computer training, English classes, music rooms, computer rooms, internet café (the young people pay tiny fee which teaches them respect of equipment) exercise workout room (for both girls and boys, scheduled appropriately), a media and film department, cafeteria, and a huge center hall with a circle upper balcony, perfect for drum circles. He was very open to different activities including the drum circles that I suggested. Music and art in addition to other activities is strongly encouraged.

The manager of this center is a young man with his 3 associates and they have the drive and good hearts to help the children in the city. I was amazed at the dedication these people have given to develop this center for the youth. On the tour, he showed me one room after another, for different activities including dialogue groups and outside is a sports field and a beautiful garden. His wish for the youth is an LCD and laptop for the classes and trainings, movie DVDs for the developing media department, additional books for the library, especially in English (books appropriate for 14-26 year olds, perhaps some American classics), musical instruments and… visitors, who are willing to spend time with the young people, whether through an activity, lecture or discussion. Kurdistan Save the Children has other youth centers including Darbandikhan, Raniya, Koya, Kalar, Khanaqeen, Baziyan and Kirkuk and cultural centers in Halabja, Kirkuk, Qaladiza, and Raniya. In addition, they have Children’s homes in both Baghdad and Kirkuk which help Iraq’s growing number of street children, those affected most by the conflict and in need of the most help.

Finally, as everyone knows, I have sentiments about education for the Iraqi children. Kurdistan Save the Children works with the Education Ministry in supporting education, including renovations of schools. In Sulaimaniya they have an outstanding private school of their own, which is taught in English. During the interview and tour of the school, the Director expressed the need for visiting English speaking teachers for the secondary school year and volunteers for the summer. Teachers would get a modest salary and accommodations. Volunteers, even for a month, would get accommodations (Please click here for more information).

They offered to drive me to more of their Centers, but alas, my time was so short this trip…next time, inshallah. Donations can be earmarked for a special activity, region (like Halabja, the region of Blue Pearl), and sponsorship of a child or into the general fund. Monies and items would go through the UK office first and then on to Headquarters in Sulaimaniya. This organization has an excellent reputation and they have given me their 2005 Annual Report which I can send to those interested in contributing (2004 is below).

In objectivity, some bloggers do not support or promote charitable organizations, I do. When it comes to my Iraqi and Kurdish children, I will open as many doors possible for them, that I can with assistance and support. If you do contact them, please tell Mr. Dana Qadir, that Miriam sent you.

For more information on donations, sponsorships and questions on Kurdistan, Save the Children:
http://www.ksc-kcf.com/Aboutus/Contactus/tabid/58/Default.aspx
http://www.ksc-kcf.com/Howtohelp/Makeadonation/tabid/84/Default.aspx

Teaching Positions and Volunteer Work (this area is quite safe):
http://www.ksc-kcf.com/Aboutus/JobsOpportunities/tabid/57/Default.aspx

2004 Annual Report:
http://www.ksc-kcf.com/Portals/0/Documents/Annual.pdf