Community
Hope for Iraqi Youth
By Amed L. Omer
From Sulaymany, Iraq
It is not a surprise to see foreign organizations contributing their expertise to Kurdish youth in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Kurdistan’s economic stability is a testament to the well-being of the average Kurdish citizen. Therefore, most of the organizations that inhabit the Kurdistan Region are not providing any form of financial aid; but, instead, each of them teaches something lacking in Kurdistan.
Background
The events that occurred in Iraq during the 1990’s encouraged many Americans to take positive action in supporting Iraqis. This was the inspiration that lead to the founding of EPIC (Education for Peace in Iraq Center). It was originally established in 1998 as a lobbyist group in the US congress that advocated better US policy toward Iraq. It began as a “Grassroots movement to improve humanitarian conditions in Iraq.”With the help of thousands of Americans, EPIC was able to raise its message to Washington and America as a whole.
Now
Currently, however, EPIC is taking a pivotal role in improving the lives of many Iraqis. As stated in their website, “EPIC Creates opportunities for concerned Americans and everyday Iraqis to build lasting peace in Iraq.” EPIC implements this by working with local organizations to set the platform for a more peaceful Iraq.
EPIC is especially anxious to work on youth whose lives have been torn apart by the likes of violence and war. In addition, EPIC understands that only long-term investment in the youth can have true affects. EPIC also works with young Iraqis with disabilities. EPIC has chosen the youth because they believe that the “Youth are the future of Iraq; they are its future leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, and activists.” According the EPIC website, 60 percent of Iraq is under the age of 25.
Activities
EPIC’s activities involve youth in all the different parts of Iraq. Most of the groups EPIC works with are comprised of different ethnic groups, languages, and backgrounds. EPIC brings together students from Sulaimany, Duhok, and Erbil rural areas and students from the south including Baghdad and Basra.
Their first project was the Iraqi Youth Hike. This program brought together students from different backgrounds to Sulaimany for three days of environmental and photography workshops and a hike in ChamiRezan. Epic is also working on other hikes and summer camps.
For more information visit EPIC on their website:
http://www.epic-usa.org/
Hope for Iraqi Youth
By Amed L. Omer
From Sulaymany, Iraq
It is not a surprise to see foreign organizations contributing their expertise to Kurdish youth in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Kurdistan’s economic stability is a testament to the well-being of the average Kurdish citizen. Therefore, most of the organizations that inhabit the Kurdistan Region are not providing any form of financial aid; but, instead, each of them teaches something lacking in Kurdistan.
Background
The events that occurred in Iraq during the 1990’s encouraged many Americans to take positive action in supporting Iraqis. This was the inspiration that lead to the founding of EPIC (Education for Peace in Iraq Center). It was originally established in 1998 as a lobbyist group in the US congress that advocated better US policy toward Iraq. It began as a “Grassroots movement to improve humanitarian conditions in Iraq.”With the help of thousands of Americans, EPIC was able to raise its message to Washington and America as a whole.
Now
Currently, however, EPIC is taking a pivotal role in improving the lives of many Iraqis. As stated in their website, “EPIC Creates opportunities for concerned Americans and everyday Iraqis to build lasting peace in Iraq.” EPIC implements this by working with local organizations to set the platform for a more peaceful Iraq.
EPIC is especially anxious to work on youth whose lives have been torn apart by the likes of violence and war. In addition, EPIC understands that only long-term investment in the youth can have true affects. EPIC also works with young Iraqis with disabilities. EPIC has chosen the youth because they believe that the “Youth are the future of Iraq; they are its future leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, and activists.” According the EPIC website, 60 percent of Iraq is under the age of 25.
Activities
EPIC’s activities involve youth in all the different parts of Iraq. Most of the groups EPIC works with are comprised of different ethnic groups, languages, and backgrounds. EPIC brings together students from Sulaimany, Duhok, and Erbil rural areas and students from the south including Baghdad and Basra.
Their first project was the Iraqi Youth Hike. This program brought together students from different backgrounds to Sulaimany for three days of environmental and photography workshops and a hike in ChamiRezan. Epic is also working on other hikes and summer camps.
For more information visit EPIC on their website:
http://www.epic-usa.org/
