By Pari Ibrahim | Executive Director
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.
BRINGING JOY TO DISPLACED CHILDREN: THE BIRTHDAY PARTY INITIATIVE
Life in Khanke IDP camp remains a daily struggle, especially for child survivors of genocide and those born in displacement. Many carry deep emotional scars, making joy a rare experience. To bring moments of happiness and normalcy, FYF launched the Birthday Party Initiative in 2022.
This initiative sponsors birthday celebrations for children in the camp, offering them a chance to feel special and surrounded by love.
Hosted at the Sugar is Sweet® Bakery and Café—a welcoming community space—each celebration includes cakes, gifts, decorations, and time with family and friends.
So far in 2025, FYF has organized 80 birthday parties, creating cherished memories for children who have faced immense hardship. Beyond individual joy, these gatherings foster a sense of community and emotional healing, reaffirming FYF’s commitment to the wellbeing of displaced children.
EMPOWERING WOMEN: BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES
These birthday parties are made possible by the ongoing empowerment of Yezidi women, who are provided with marketable skills and economic opportunities through FYF's Enterprise and Training Center.
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 through education and livelihood initiatives 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.
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
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