Support Educational Spaces for 200 Kids in Iraq

Sunrise NGO is a “safe hug” for children. Sunrise works with children affected by the Yazidi genocide that took place on August 3, 2014, where children were among the first and most deeply impacted. From the beginning, Sunrise has aimed to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for children.

Currently, Sunrise runs safe spaces for children in Sinjar, and its positive impact is clearly visible, especially through coordination with local schools. It has become evident that many schools are not fully prepared to support children socially and emotionally. Opportunities for play, creativity, and interactive learning are limited, and schools often rely on traditional teaching methods with outdated materials. In addition, many staff members are inadequately trained, and low salaries undermine their overall performance.

In contrast, Sunrise’s safe spaces prepare children more holistically. Children learn the basics of Arabic and English through visual and interactive materials. Activities are designed to enhance their social skills, confidence, and attitudes. They learn to communicate, build friendships, share meals, and organize their environments, skills that help them both at home and in school.

These safe spaces also prepare children academically, socially, and mentally for joining formal education. Many parents report that their children feel more confident and ready for school after attending Sunrise programs. “For example, one parent shared the story of her daughter, Samaher, a graduate of the Sunrise safe space. She said, ‘From the very beginning, my daughter was active and confident. She was not afraid to participate in class. She greeted her peers warmly and always seemed happy and ready to learn. When the teacher asked her name, she answered with confidence. She already knew the letters and had begun combining them into words, a remarkable achievement for her age. Today, she has become one of the top students in her school. I truly believe that her strong development is a direct result of the early support and preparation she received at Sunrise’s Safe Space.’’