To save the lives of their children and families, the Yazidi families fled their homes to Northern Iraq (Kurdistan). Now, they are living in empty containers, tents or abandoned buildings. Some, while fleeing, experienced the murder of friends and family. Many of the women and girls are suffering PTSD from the horror of rape (some as young as age 9) by ISIS militants. GHNI teams are working to help families find safety, healing from trauma and the ability to rebuild lives.
The Yazidis, an ethnic group from Iraq, have long been oppressed and ostracized by the other religions in Iraq. However, when ISIS began growing in power, Yazidis were not only "bullied" but were being killed, raped, kidnapped as fighters or taken as wives, as young as 9 years old. The horror is unimaginable. 1,000's have been able to flee over the mountain into Kurdistan where ISIS has been held off. The refugees have formed a community, but need help to rebuild their lives.
Through proven methods, GHNI workers in Northern Iraq will work alongside Yazidis helping them to establish a new community, living in a safer environment where future generations can thrive and grow. Our workers use a method labeled, Transformational Community Development, and are from Iraq. This allows culturally relevant solutions to be implemented and environmentally sound resources utilized. Food, Water, Income, Wellness and Education needs will be resolved to bring self-sustainability.
Transformational Community Development has successfully built sustainable communities throughout the Middle East. The process allows for empowerment and restoration of dignity in families experiencing serious trauma and poverty. By working alongside the Yazidi community, our workers will coach and encourage through the training process. Yazidi families will grow in ability and confidence and after five years or less, this community will thrive, building a foundation for generations.
This project has provided additional documentation in a DOCX file (projdoc.docx).
