Drug addiction remains one of the greatest challenges facing youth across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Reliable statistics are hard to come by, largely due to stigma and fear of legal penalties. In the Kurdistan Region, more than 400 drug traffickers were arrested in the last six months alone.
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KSC and Save the Children International Launch Game-Changing Youth-Led Social Policy Initiative in Kurdistan Region
3/11/2025
SLEMANI: KSC and Save the Children International Launch Game-Changing Youth-Led Social Policy Initiative in Kurdistan Region
‘Mesopotamian Pulse’ poised to become a catalyst for lasting social reform
KSC – Press Release
11 March 2025
Slemani, Iraq – In a groundbreaking step towards empowering the youth of the Kurdistan Region, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) is proud to announce the launch of the Mesopotamian Pulse: Youth-Driven Social Policy and Reform Initiative.
This dynamic and transformative project, set to run from February 1, 2025, to August 15, 2025, is designed to amplify the voices of young people and empower them to drive meaningful policy change.
A partnership between KSC and Save the Children International, and with funding from the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), this initiative is poised to become a catalyst for lasting social reform.
According to Dyari Mustafa, Youth Ability Development Manager at KSC, “The Mesopotamian Pulse project is a step toward empowering youth to lead meaningful change.”
He says: “Through intensive trainings by professional trainers, these young leaders are gaining the skills to advocate for policy reform, drive social change and support their society. This program will ensure that youth voices are not only heard but actively shape the future of our region, especially in advancing children’s rights and welfare in Slemani, Erbil and Duhok governorates.”
Project Overview
The Mesopotamian Pulse initiative unfolds in three phases that will elevate youth leadership and encourage long-term social policy reform:
Youth Training and Capacity Development
A series of training sessions on advocacy, governance and public budgeting will be conducted across all provinces. These sessions will equip young people with the tools they need to shape policies and effectively influence decision-makers.
Research and Law Development
Young participants will be forming groups to research and identify pressing social issues, followed by advocacy campaigns aimed at driving policy changes at both regional and national levels.
Youth-Led Advocacy and Lawmaking
Participants will engage in online and in-person advocacy to promote social reforms, ensuring that the voices of youth resonate within the policy-making corridors.
Key Outcomes and Impact
● A youth representative will be selected to sit on the High Committee for the Protection of Children’s Rights at the ministry level, giving young people direct influence over policy discussions.
● A digital youth platform will be established, creating a sustainable network for youth across the Kurdistan Region that will empower future generations to lead change.
● A structured and long-term youth advocacy network will be built, poised to influence governmental policy on social issues, particularly those affecting children’s rights and welfare.
Training Sessions
On February 28 and March 1, 2025, the first advocacy training session took place in Erbil and Slemani, bringing together 53 young participants. This session focused on governance, advocacy strategies and public policy engagement, ensuring these young leaders are equipped to drive positive social change in their communities.
Goals and Beneficiaries
Project Objective: Strengthen the capacity of youth in governance and advocacy, establishing a sustainable network of young leaders committed to policy reform.
Direct Beneficiaries:
● 60 participants, including 52 youth and 8 staff members.
Long-Term Impact:
● Establishing of a youth-led advocacy network that influences social policy at the government level, creating lasting change for future generations.
Through this initiative, KSC reaffirms its commitment to empowering youth as agents of change, ensuring their voices are heard and their advocacy drives the reform needed to safeguard the rights and welfare of children in the Kurdistan Region.
For more information about KSC’s education initiatives, please contact: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
https://www.youtube.com/@KurdistanSavetheChildren
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vag7rzH2kNFhFEaPXi2P
KSC and PAO Unite to Tackle Drug Abuse in Kurdistan Region
3/3/2025
KSC and PAO Unite to Tackle Drug Abuse in Kurdistan Region
Collaborative panel addresses legal, psychological and societal impacts of addiction
KSC – Press Release
3 March 2025
Kalar, Kurdistan Region – In a concerted effort to tackle the escalating issue of drug abuse, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC), in partnership with PAO Organization (Garmiyan Volunteer Group), convened a panel discussion at the Youth Activity Center in Kalar.
The event, held on 24 February, delved into the legal, psychological and societal facets of addiction, aiming to foster a comprehensive understanding and develop actionable strategies to address the crisis.
Distinguished Panelists:
· Judge Muharram Rasul Ali: Investigating Judge of Kalar, provided an in-depth analysis of the current legal framework governing drug-related offenses in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, highlighting areas necessitating reform.
· Dr. Sarhad Mohammed Samin: Professor at Garmiyan University, offered insights into the psychological ramifications of addiction, emphasizing the necessity for accessible mental health services and community support systems.
· M. Khalid Khudadad: Civil Activist, discussed the pervasive societal impacts of substance abuse, advocating for grassroots initiatives and community engagement to combat stigma and promote rehabilitation.
· Amanj Mohammed Najm: Panel Moderator, facilitated the discourse, ensuring a cohesive exploration of the multifaceted challenges posed by drug abuse.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the influential role of media in shaping public perceptions. Panelists cautioned against sensational portrayals that may inadvertently glamorize drug use, advocating instead for responsible reporting that educates and informs the public about the dangers of substance abuse.
According to Dyari Mustafa, Youth Ability Development Program Manager at KSC, addressing drug abuse requires more than just enforcement— “it demands education, community support, and a shift in perception.”
“By bringing legal experts, mental health professionals, and civil society together, we are not just discussing the problem; we are forging a path toward real solutions,” he said. “Every young person deserves a future free from the grip of addiction, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they have the support and resources to choose life over drugs.”
This initiative is part of KSC’s broader mission to safeguard the youth from the perils of drug addiction. Building upon the momentum of the nationwide “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs” campaign launched in March 2024, KSC continues to spearhead awareness campaigns and educational programs. These efforts are designed to empower young individuals with knowledge, provide support to those affected and cultivate a resilient community poised to resist the encroachment of substance abuse.
The collaboration between KSC and the PAO Organization exemplifies a unified approach to a pressing societal issue, underscoring the imperative for collective action in fostering a healthier, drug-free future for the Kurdistan Region.
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: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
https://www.youtube.com/@KurdistanSavetheChildren
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vag7rzH2kNFhFEaPXi2P
KSC Launches Nationwide Campaign to Support Children Battling Cancer
2/15/2025
SLEMANI: KSC Launches Nationwide Campaign to Support Children Battling Cancer
Awareness campaign will educate communities about childhood cancer, emphasizing early diagnosis, treatment access and the importance of emotional and psychosocial support.
KSC – Press Release
15 February 2025
Slemani – To mark International Childhood Cancer Day, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) is launching a series of fundraising and awareness campaigns across Iraq. These initiatives aim to raise essential funds for the purchase of infusion pumps, critical devices for providing life-saving chemotherapy treatment to children battling cancer. At the same time, KSC will lead an awareness campaign to educate communities about childhood cancer, emphasizing early diagnosis, treatment access and the importance of psychosocial support for both patients and their families.
Every year, over 400,000 children and adolescents under the age of 20 are diagnosed with cancer, and cancer is the second-leading cause of death among children aged 5-14 (WHO, 2021). The most common childhood cancers include leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas and solid tumors such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumors. Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers are not typically linked to lifestyle factors and cannot always be prevented through routine screenings. However, early diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment significantly improve survival rates.
KSC, as a member of Childhood Cancer International (CCI), is part of a global network of over 180 organizations committed to improving care, treatment and support for children with cancer worldwide.
Campaign Goals
KSC’s campaign focuses on two key goals:
1.Fundraising for Infusion Pumps: KSC is working to raise funds for purchasing infusion pumps to improve chemotherapy treatment for children in Iraq. An infusion pump is a medical device that delivers medication or fluids directly into a patient's body at a precise rate. In chemotherapy, infusion pumps ensure that the correct dosage of medication is administered safely and effectively. These pumps are vital for children with cancer, as they provide controlled delivery of treatment, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring better outcomes.
2.Raising Awareness about Childhood Cancer: In addition to fundraising, KSC is running an awareness campaign to educate communities on recognizing early signs of childhood cancer, the importance of early detection, and the critical need for timely treatment. The campaign also stresses the importance of emotional and psychosocial support, which plays a vital role in improving outcomes for children and their families.
Panel Discussion on Holistic Approaches to Childhood Cancer
As part of its advocacy efforts, KSC will participate in a panel discussion at Qaiwan International University. While KSC is not organizing the event, its representatives will contribute as panelist and moderator, focusing on a holistic approach to childhood cancer care that includes medical, pharmaceutical, and psychological perspectives.
Join us in ensuring equal access to care for all children with cancer. Every second counts for children fighting cancer. Your support—whether through donations or spreading awareness—can help improve treatment, raise critical funds and ensure no child faces this battle alone.
To contribute, please visit: https://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: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
SLEMANI: KSC Announces Change in Services for Children with Special Needs
2/6/2025
SLEMANI: KSC Announces Change in Services for Children with Special Needs
‘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
KSC – Press Release
5 February 2025
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
https://www.youtube.com/@KurdistanSavetheChildren
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vag7rzH2kNFhFEaPXi2P
SLEMANI: KSC Hosts Webinar on Rebuilding Education for Iraqi Children Amid Crisis
2/4/2025
SLEMANI: KSC Hosts Webinar on Rebuilding Education for Iraqi Children Amid Crisis
Experts highlight urgent need for improved school infrastructure and inclusion of children with disabilities.
KSC – Press Release
4 February 2025
Slemani, Iraq – Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) hosted a webinar on Sunday titled “Education in Crisis: Rebuilding Opportunities for Iraqi Children,” bringing together key education stakeholders to address the urgent challenges facing Iraq’s education sector.
Moderated by Dr. Zana Aziz Mahmoud, Lecturer at Sulaimani University, the panel featured Omer Wahab, Education Specialist at UNICEF Iraq; Ammar Rafia Salman, Assistant Director General at the Iraqi Ministry of Education; Taher Al Kaki, Associate Project Officer at UNESCO Iraq; and Jailan Sabah, Education Program Manager at KSC.
Education Challenges in Post-Conflict Iraq
Panelists highlighted the severe impact of conflict, particularly the ISIS crisis, which has devastated Iraq’s education system. Ammar Rafia Salman emphasized that the crisis had led to catastrophic consequences for children, youth and especially girls, as well as long-term disruptions in education. He pointed out that a lack of school infrastructure remains one of the biggest obstacles, leading to overcrowded schools with double and triple shifts, shortened lesson times and limited space for students.
He further stressed the importance of re-enrolling out-of-school children and advancing policies for lifelong learning, particularly for displaced persons and children with disabilities.
Ammar Rafia Salman also highlighted the importance of reforming Iraq’s education system to align with global frameworks.
“A critical step moving forward is the adoption of new examination methods that align with current educational needs, in accordance with the SDG goals and the Marrakesh Framework for Action,” he said. “The UIL report presented to the UN General Assembly, in particular the resolution on literacy for life, addresses these issues and calls for a comprehensive approach to improve education for all.”
The Struggles of Internally Displaced Children
Omer Wahab addressed the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq, noting that over 1 million IDPs remain, with 650,000 residing in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Despite 370 IDP schools operating under the Ministry of Education, he stressed that more support is needed to ensure quality education for displaced children.
“Currently, 45% of IDP schools are prefabricated structures built in 2014 at the start of the crisis,” Wahab said. While NGOs have provided annual support for renovations, he noted that these schools require long-term, sustainable solutions.
With 158,000 IDP children still in need of support, Wahab called for greater investment in stabilizing education for displaced communities.
Building Inclusive and Accessible Schools
Focusing on education accessibility, Jailan Sabah emphasized the need to integrate infrastructure for children with disabilities into school designs.
“We have come a long way from exclusion and segregation, and I’m glad to see progress toward integration,” she said. However, she noted that many schools were built without accessibility in mind, lacking elevators, ramps, and proper resource rooms for children with special needs. She stressed that a proper resource room must include ramps, wide doorways, non-slip flooring, proper lighting, and noise reduction to accommodate sensory needs.
While acknowledging the high costs of infrastructure improvements, Sabah remained optimistic, stating that education is one of the fastest-changing sectors, and these changes have been largely positive.
Challenges in Enforcing Education Policies
Sabah also pointed out the gap between policy and enforcement when it comes to inclusive education. While Iraq has strong laws supporting education for children with disabilities, many children are still denied enrollment due to individual decisions made by school principals.
She cited a recent case where a child was misdiagnosed with ADHD. After an evaluation at KSC’s center for children with special needs, it was determined that the child did not have ADHD and was later successfully enrolled in school.
“Even if the diagnosis had been correct, the law mandates that children with ADHD must be enrolled,” she said, stressing that awareness and training are needed for both educators and medical professionals to prevent such cases.
Importance of Data for Education Reform
Taher Al Kaki, Associate Project Officer at UNESCO Iraq, stressed the importance of reliable data in rebuilding Iraq’s education system.
“One important point I want to raise is the issue we face in Iraq related to special education and the overall Department of Education, specifically the quality of the data we have regarding education and other related topics,” he said.
He elaborated on the need for accurate data, explaining that most statistics in Iraq are based on estimations.
“As part of our ongoing efforts following Phase One of the project, we are collaborating with the Ministry of Education, both in Iraq and in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). One of the main components of this project is the establishment of an Education Management Information System (EMIS), which will provide us with clear, specific data on everything related to the educational system in Iraq,” Al Kaki added.
He concluded, “Having accurate data will support related topics and significantly improve the quality of overall educational programs.”
A Call for Collective Action
Throughout the webinar, panelists agreed that addressing these challenges requires collaboration between NGOs, government institutions, and international organizations.
“We still have a long way to go, but with collaboration between NGOs, the government, the medical community, and other active organizations, I believe we can take meaningful steps forward in supporting children with special needs,” said Sabah.
KSC remains committed to advocating for and implementing programs that enhance access to quality education for all children in Iraq.
For more information about KSC’s education initiatives, please contact: [email protected]
Watch the full webinar video here: https://youtu.be/kk9Jt4tgSLU?si=ksbFcxA43acRrAdS
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: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
