Bakery Training Center

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As global challenges cast new doubts over the future of humanitarian aid and development, the Free Yezidi Foundation remains committed to a clear and unwavering mission: to uplift and empower the Yezidi people, especially women and girls, as they rebuild their lives in the aftermath of genocide.

This month, we are reminded that even in times of instability, our work carries forward—steadily and with impact. From advocacy meetings with international partners to day-to-day programming on the ground, FYF continues to stand with survivors, displaced families, and those returning to rebuild their lives in Sinjar.

Nowhere is this more evident than in our livelihoods programs. At our Enterprise and Training Center, Yezidi women are not only learning marketable skills—they are transforming those skills into income, independence, and opportunity for their families and communities.

EMPOWERING WOMEN: BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES

This Spring, FYF hosted a Women’s Networking & Economic Empowerment Forum for 106 incredible women who completed our vocational training in crafts and baking, as well as education courses in financial literacy and English.

As the program concludes, this forum provided a valuable space for women to connect with women-led businesses, female entrepreneurs, and professionals—expanding their networks, exchanging insights, and accessing job opportunities for long-term employment.

At FYF, we believe that empowering women with skills and economic opportunities leads to sustainable financial independence, reducing reliance on external aid and fostering resilience.

We were proud to host this event at our Enterprise & Training Center (ETC)—a hub dedicated to uplifting vulnerable women and girls through comprehensive support services and income-generating pathways.

ANTISAR'S JOURNEY OF GROWTH AND EMPOWERMENT

Antisar Kheder, a 42-year-old Yezidi woman from Khanke village, has embarked on a transformative journey that reshaped her life and her family’s future. Living with her husband and five children, aged 11 to 18, Antisar has always been deeply invested in her household’s well-being. While their family-run food shop provides financial stability, she longed for opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute in new ways.

That opportunity came at FYF’s Enterprise & Training Center (ETC)—a safe, nurturing space where women can gain practical skills, build confidence, and find a supportive community. At the ETC, Antisar enrolled in bakery training, financial literacy, and English language classes, all under one roof. This comprehensive support system gave her the tools to develop new skills, regain self-confidence, and embrace a future filled with possibilities.

With some prior baking experience, Antisar was no stranger to the kitchen, but FYF’s bakery training helped her refine her techniques and expand her repertoire. Today, she takes pride in preparing a variety of delicious homemade desserts for her children, bringing warmth and joy into their home.

FYF’s financial literacy classes empowered Antisar to take a more active role in managing her household’s finances. Equipped with essential knowledge, she now collaborates with her husband on financial decisions, strengthening their family’s economic stability and future prospects.

For Antisar, English classes were more than just an educational experience—they were a journey back to the excitement of learning. Relearning the alphabet and developing new language skills reignited her love for education, boosting her confidence and inspiring her to dream bigger for herself and her children.

Beyond the technical skills she gained, attending classes at the ETC transformed Antisar’s sense of self. Stepping outside her home, forming friendships, and engaging with a network of supportive women helped her build confidence and emotional resilience. To her, FYF’s ETC became more than just a place of learning—it became a home away from home.

Reflecting on her community, Antisar sees a remarkable shift in the role of women since the Yezidi Genocide. Once held back by cultural and logistical barriers, Yezidi women are now stepping into education and the workforce, shaping their own futures. She credits NGOs like FYF for playing a vital role in this progress, ensuring that women have the tools and opportunities to succeed.

Today, Antisar believes she has the skills, confidence, and ambition to pursue employment, particularly in a bakery. She remains hopeful that programs like those at FYF’s ETC will continue to uplift women and girls, empowering them to unlock their potential, support their families, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue this vital work. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

Sincerely,

Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation