Drug addiction remains one of the greatest challenges facing youth across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Reliable statistics are hard to come by, largely due to stigma and fear of legal penalties. In the Kurdistan Region, more than 400 drug traffickers were arrested in the last six months alone.
- Publications
Halabja Becomes Iraq’s 19th Province with New Generation Poised to Lead
4/30/2025
Halabja Becomes Iraq’s 19th Province with New Generation Poised to Lead
KSC plans to step up efforts to empower youth, build civic leadership and drive long-term development in Halabja and across the country.
KSC – Press Release
30 April 2025
Halabja, Iraq – Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) proudly celebrates the official designation of Halabja as the 19th province of Iraq, and the fourth governorate of the Kurdistan Region. This milestone not only honors the profound sacrifices and history of the city but also ushers in a new era of growth, participation and opportunity, particularly for Halabja’s children and youth.
Since 1991, KSC has stood beside the people of Halabja, investing in the next generation through education, health and community development. As the city enters this new chapter, we will continue our mission to nurture informed, engaged and capable young citizens who will lead Halabja forward.
“During times of political strife and [the Iraqi Kurdish] civil war in the mid-1990s, many organizations ceased their activities. We risked arrests, dealt with equipment theft and endured hardships and challenges, but KSC never stopping operating. In fact, we responded with stronger services,” said Aras Abid, KSC Representative in Halabja. “At one point, the KSC office in Halabja was raided and I was shot at, but we still decided to stay. When no one else was there, KSC was there. The people of Halabja know this—whether in youth development, medical care, housing or education, our work has always been rooted in sincerity and service. In memory of the martyrs of this governorate, we are committed to expanding even further and delivering programs that shape a brighter future.”
A Legacy of Service Since 1991
In response to the challenges following the 1991 conflict, KSC opened its first office in Halabja to provide immediate support to orphaned children. Our goal from the beginning has been to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to education, healthcare and a safe environment.
Between 1996 and 2006, KSC supported 360 families with vital assistance to rebuild their lives. Apart from a brief interruption in 1992, our support has continued uninterrupted, reflecting the depth of our partnership with the city.
Health and Medical Assistance
Understanding the long-standing health challenges in the region, KSC has provided ongoing medical aid, both within Iraq and abroad.
Since 1991, highlights include:
· 145 life-changing surgeries for children
· 22 therapeutic catheterizations
· Medical supplies for 66 children
· Sponsorship of specialized treatment abroad
Education and Youth Ability Development
KSC’s education and youth programs in Halabja are designed not only to impart knowledge but also to cultivate leadership, creativity and civic responsibility. For instance, KSC introduced early childhood education by opening Halabja’s first kindergarten and helped out-of-school youth return to studies with the first accelerated school. Currently it operates a Youth Activity Center, established in 2008, which serves as a hub for over 37,000 young people. It offers:
§ Music, arts, languages, computer classes and sports
§ Mental health and personal development workshops
§ Livelihood training (poultry, beekeeping, livestock care)
§ Mobile outreach teams for rural youth
Cultural and Community Development
KSC has long contributed to Halabja’s cultural renewal and infrastructure:
· Supported the Children Activity Center until its transition to the Directorate of Culture,
· Renovated schools and hospitals
· Built 750 homes, including 50 in Sirwan
· Installed Halabja’s largest plumbing system (1,700 meters) to support healthcare
· Organized 57 workshops on education, child protection and youth development
· Trained educators, clerics and social workers in youth engagement and child welfare
2024-2025: Focus on Protection and Livelihoods
Our recent efforts have supported families in tangible, sustainable ways:
• Managed care for 22 vulnerable children
• Financial aid for 79 children
• Parenting and child rights workshops for over 230 parents
• Legal awareness sessions on online safety and harassment
• Small business support for families to reduce child labor
Seasonal Support
To support dignity during religious and cultural celebrations, KSC provided the following since 2024:
• 205 Eid food packages for 150 families
• 150 Ramadan packages
• Clothing for 50 children
Looking Ahead: A Future Build by Youth
As Halabja takes on its new status as a governorate, KSC remains committed to the city’s forward momentum. Our work is grounded in a belief that lasting development begins with empowered youth—young people who are educated, engaged and prepared to build a just and vibrant society.
Congratulations, Halabja. Your future is in good hands, with your youth at the helm.
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information
Contact: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
KSC Calls for Inclusive Future During Autism Awareness Month Initiatives
4/30/2025
KSC Calls for Inclusive Future During Autism Awareness Month Initiatives
From public outreach to art exhibitions, KSC advocates for the rights of children on the autism spectrum across the Kurdistan Region.
KSC – Press Release
30 April 2025
Slemani, Iraq – In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) is once again shining a light on the rights, dignity and inclusion of children on the autism spectrum. With a legacy of advocacy and care for neurodiverse children across the Kurdistan Region, KSC continues to lead with compassion, education and a belief in the potential of every child.
Rising Recognition in the Kurdistan Region
Health authorities in the Kurdistan Region have reported a growing number of diagnosed instances of autism. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the region has officially registered 3,600 autism diagnoses, with an additional 2,500 documented occurrences of autism in specialized centers. This brings the total to over 6,000 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), prompting increased attention from healthcare professionals and educators.
The rise is due to several interconnected factors: the region’s growing population means a larger pool of children is being observed and screened; improved awareness and better access to diagnostic tools have led to more cases being identified and documented; and broader environmental and lifestyle stresses are increasingly recognized as contributing factors to neurodevelopmental changes. Experts also point to a combination of genetic, congenital and environmental influences that may be associated with ASD.
KSC echoes these concerns and is working to address this urgent issue through holistic care, early intervention programs and inclusive supportive services across communities.
Understanding Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of developmental conditions characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication and behavior. Individuals on the autism spectrum may prefer routines, experience heightened sensory sensitivity or display exceptional abilities in areas like mathematics, music or art. According to the World Health Organization, symptoms typically appear before the age of three and vary widely between individuals. While autism is more commonly diagnosed in boys, it transcends gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
Lalo’s Story
Rebin Khuarahm, the father of a child supported by KSC and a resident of Slemani, shared his experience: “When Lalo was three years old, we found out he had autism. His mother and I were devastated—we didn’t know what to do. At first, we stayed away from the community. We didn’t take him out much because we were afraid of how people would react. But over time, we realized we shouldn't hide. He’s our son, and we should be proud of him. Slowly, we began to accept it and took him to the Special Education Center for Children with Special Needs, supported by KSC. We trained with him at home too, every day. Now he’s 12, and he speaks, reads and writes in both Kurdish and English, knows his surroundings well, and even does math. We’ve seen how much training and love can change things. And thankfully, the community is more understanding now. To us, Lalo is just like any other child—he just needs a little more care. He’s a vibrant boy with a wide range of interests. He enjoys swimming and is confident in the water, loves cycling and finds great joy in music, especially when playing the piano. He’s also a passionate football fan with an impressive memory for players and sports presenters.”
KSC’s Holistic Supports for Children with Autism
KSC adopts a comprehensive approach to supporting neurodiverse children. In addition to therapy, our KSC center in Slemani offers community, opportunity and hope, with services including:
• Behavioral therapy to build social and daily living skills
• Speech therapy to enhance communication
• Parental support programs focused on early intervention and stress management
• Medical assessments and ongoing cognitive and developmental care
Autism Awareness Month 2025: Community, Creativity and Inclusion
Throughout April, KSC is hosting a range of activities across the region designed to raise awareness, educate communities and celebrate neurodiversity. Highlights include:
• Public Seminars in Slemani, Halabja, Kalar, Ranya, Qaladize, Said Sadiq and Darbandikhan to inform families and local communities about Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Outreach Initiatives in schools, malls, government offices and public spaces to distribute educational materials and foster understanding
• Teacher Training Sessions in Slemani, Erbil, Halabja, Bazian and Haji Awa equipping educators with tools to support inclusive learning
• Art Exhibition at the KSC Educational Training Center, showcasing artwork by children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), offering the public a window into their world and celebrating their creativity gifts
Through these efforts, KSC calls on families, educators, government officials and the broader public to create a society where neurodiverse children are not only included—but genuinely valued.
-ENDS-
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information
Contact: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
Italian Surgeons Perform Life-Saving Heart Operations for Children in Slemani
4/17/2025
Italian Surgeons Perform Life-Saving Heart Operations for Children in Slemani
KSC, the Charity Organization of the Qaiwan Group and Anwar Sheikha Medical City partner to deliver critical cardiac care and launch plans for a dedicated children’s heart center.
KSC – Press Release
17 April 2025
Slemani, Iraq – – As part of ongoing efforts to improve pediatric health services in the Kurdistan Region, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC), in partnership with the Charity Organization of the Qaiwan Group and Anwar Sheikha Medical City, successfully hosted a team of specialized pediatric cardiac surgeons from Italy. The mission, carried out between April 5-13, 2025, focused on diagnosing and treating children suffering from congenital heart defects.
The Italian team—comprised of nine highly skilled professionals, including pediatric cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, ICU doctors, nurses and a perfusionist—visited Anwar Sheikha Medical City in Slemani on April 6. During the initial assessments, led by Dr. Aso Faiaq (Pediatric Cardiologist) and Dr. Diyar Shirwan (Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon), 27 children were evaluated for potential surgical intervention.
Key members of the visiting team included:
• Dr. Francesco Santoro and Dr. Elena Ribera – Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons
• Dr. Gabriel Cardu – Anesthesiologist
• Dr. Pasqua Pacilli and Dr. Riccardo Moschetti – ICU Physicians
• Mr. Dario Fichera– Perfusionist
• Ms. Missana Massimo and Ms. Giada Boggi – ICU Nurses
• Mr. Nadhim Autman
Following evaluations, eight surgeries were scheduled. Over the course of the mission, six complex pediatric heart surgeries were successfully performed at Anwar Sheikha Medical City. The young patients—ranging in weight from 10 and 13 kilograms—have shown encouraging signs of recovery. Among the cases was a particularly rare and delicate surgery involving a child born with their heart outside the chest cavity, which was completed successfully.
Beyond the operating room, the visiting team met with Sara Rashid, President of Kurdistan Save the Children, to discuss future collaboration. Discussions centered on ongoing coordination, planning for future surgical missions and supporting the launch of the new Children’s Heart Center in Slemani. Both sides explored ways the team could contribute to the development and success of the center—ensuring more children across the region can access life-saving care.
This visit is part of an ongoing collaboration between KSC and international medical teams, aiming at strengthening pediatric cardiac care in the region. With the recent establishment of the Children’s Heart Hospital in Slemani, partnerships with international pediatric cardiologists—particularly from Italy—have deepened, paving the way for sustainable, life-saving care for children with heart conditions.
KSC remains dedicated to expanding access to specialized healthcare for vulnerable children and will continue to foster international cooperation to ensure every child has the opportunity for a healthy and hopeful future.
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information
Contact: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
KSC Brings Hope to Families with Essential Aid Distribution During Ramadan and Eid
4/13/2025
Thousands receive food, clothing and financial support thanks to generous donations.
KSC – Press Release
13 April 2025
Slemani, Iraq – In a heartfelt effort to support vulnerable families during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) successfully distributed essential aid, made possible by the generosity of individuals and businesses. This initiative provided families and children in need, including IDP, refugee, and host communities, with food packages containing rice, flour, sugar and other essentials, as well as financial assistance, new clothing for Eid and portions of protein like fresh meat—ensuring they could celebrate this sacred time with dignity and comfort.
“This Ramadan, our mission was not just to provide food and clothing but to foster a sense of hope, community and solidarity,” said Sara Rashid, KSC President. “Thanks to our generous donors, we were able to touch the lives of countless families, reminding them that they are not alone.”
She added, “For years, KSC has been actively supporting families in need during Ramadan by providing food packages and clothing, enabling them to fully participate in both Ramadan and Eid celebrations. This year, the generosity of our community exceeded our expectations and those of previous years, allowing us to reach many more families. Giving is deeply rooted in the spirit of Ramadan, and the trust our community places in NGOs like KSC is a positive step forward—allowing us to use our expertise to ensure donations reach the families who need them most.”
Thanks to the outpouring of support from our donors, KSC provided:
2,068 food packages, including:
* 1,000 packages donated by Haji Saad Kolak
* 900 packages from Grand Boulevard
* 150 packages contributed by the Slemani Chamber of Commerce and Industry
* Additional packages from individual donors
Financial Assistance:
* $3,800 USD
* 1,675,000 IQD
267 sets of new Eid clothes for children
20 portions of meat, generously provided by a donor
The aid reached families across various cities and districts in Iraq, ensuring those most in need were supported during this blessed season.
KSC extends its gratitude to all individuals, businesses and organizations who contributed. Your kindness has made a tangible difference, bringing joy and relief to struggling families.
KSC also extends special thanks to Kurdsat Broadcasting Corporation, who accompanied the organization during part of the distribution and produced a dedicated television program covering the initiative. Their role in sharing the story helped raise public awareness and brought visibility to the impact of the campaign.
The work does not stop here. We invite everyone to continue supporting children and families in need. To learn more about our ongoing efforts or to make a donation, visit our website: www.ksc-kcf.org
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information
Contact: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
On World Health Day, KSC Highlights Progress in Children’s Health Initiatives Across Iraq
4/7/2025
On World Health Day, KSC Highlights Progress in Children’s Health Initiatives Across Iraq
With life-saving programs, specialized clinics and global partnerships, KSC leads the charge in delivering equitable healthcare to vulnerable children across Iraq.
KSC – Press Release
7 April 2025
Slemani – On the occasion of World Health Day, Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC) proudly underscores its ongoing efforts to ensure the health and well-being of children across the Kurdistan Region and the rest of Iraq through its comprehensive and inclusive Health Program. Rooted in the fundamental belief that every child has the right to a healthy life, KSC remains at the forefront of delivering life-saving healthcare to the most vulnerable.
KSC’s Health Program is designed to provide equitable access to critical medical services for children, particularly those battling severe illnesses and living in economically disadvantaged circumstances. Through strategic collaboration with local health institutions and international partners, KSC offers a broad spectrum of health interventions—from emergency care and specialized surgeries to preventative health education and community outreach.
The program plays a key role in bridging gaps within the public healthcare system by supplying essential medications, advanced medical equipment, and highly trained personnel to hospitals and medical centers across the region.
One of its most impactful initiatives is the operation of a fully equipped Neonatal Unit at the Slemani Children’s and Maternity Hospital. Serving over 650 newborns each month, this unit provides free-of-charge, high-quality care that would otherwise cost families upwards of 150 $ per night in the private sector.
KSC also provides critical support to cancer treatment facilities and radiotherapy centers in Slemani, Erbil and Duhok. Through its flagship Ara Project, the organization not only furnishes these centers with medicines and medical staff but also offers psychosocial and financial assistance to children undergoing intensive cancer treatment—ensuring they receive dignified, continuous care.
Recognizing the importance of building local capacity, KSC invites international medical teams to treat complex pediatric conditions such as scoliosis, congenital heart disease, cleft lip and palate and hearing loss. These visiting specialists also conduct in-depth training sessions for local healthcare professionals, thereby raising the overall standard of pediatric care.
Notably, KSC established Iraq’s first dedicated Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center at the Burn and Plastic Surgery Emergency Hospital in Slemani. Outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, this facility performs more than 100 surgeries annually and is the only center of its kind in the country.
In partnership with the public health sector, KSC has also contributed to the establishment of Iraq’s first specialized Children’s Heart Hospital, expanding access to advanced cardiac care for children.
Additionally, the organization has launched initiatives to provide dental care under general anesthesia for children with autism and ADHD, ensuring that children with special needs receive appropriate and compassionate treatment.
For families who require treatment abroad for conditions that cannot be addressed locally, KSC offers financial assistance and comprehensive guidance, removing barriers to critical care.
The organization also engages in public health education, disseminating accurate information in schools and public institutions to encourage healthy behaviors from an early age.
In times of public health emergencies, such as the outbreak of cholera, KSC responds rapidly by delivering hygiene materials, protective equipment and emergency medical supplies to frontline health facilities. Most recently, KSC introduced a dedicated Speech Therapy Unit to serve children with cleft conditions, hearing impairments, and speech delays—further broadening the scope of its child-centered health services. It also continues to support the Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC), which plays a vital role in helping children with physical disabilities regain mobility and independence.
As the world pauses to reflect on the importance of health, KSC renews its call to action for stronger collaboration and sustained investment in child health. Each intervention, each surgery, and each life touched through KSC’s Health Program is a testament to the power of collective responsibility and unwavering compassion.
About KSC
KSC is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization that provides assistance to children regardless of race, gender, political or religious affiliation. It operates through four essential programs: Child Protection, Education, Health and Youth Ability Development as well as emergency relief during disasters.
KSC’s main aim is to work directly or indirectly to ensure a better future for children by improving and providing their various medical, social, economic and educational needs.
KSC was co-founded in 1991 by Hero Ibrahim Ahmad and Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad, currently First Lady of Iraq.
For more information
Contact: [email protected]
Visit our website: https://www.ksc-kcf.org/
Follow KSC
https://www.facebook.com/kurdistansavethechildren
https://www.instagram.com/kurdistansavethechildren/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurdistan-save-the-children/
