Earlier this month, Iraq celebrated an incredible milestone as 19-year-old Najla Imad Lafta made history by winning Iraq’s first Paralympic gold medal in table tennis. On September 7, she triumphed over Ukraine’s Maryna Lytovchenko 3-1 in the women’s table tennis final (class 6), marking a pivotal moment for the country and for those who believe in the power of resilience and determination.

Najla’s story is one of extraordinary strength. After losing both legs and part of her forearm at the age of three, her journey to standing atop the podium is a testament to her unwavering spirit. Her victory not only showcases the power of individual perseverance but serves as a beacon of hope for Iraq’s future—a future shaped by young people like her who refuse to be defined by adversity. Her story is Iraq’s story, one of resilience and rebuilding.

At EPIC, we are inspired by Najla’s achievement and are reminded why our work to empower Iraq’s youth is so important. Just as Najla’s determination led her to success on the world stage, we believe that Iraq’s young leaders hold the key to shaping a brighter future for their country. Through our initiatives, we aim to provide them with the opportunities and tools they need to create lasting change.

Here’s an update on some of our latest efforts in the field:

Empowering Local Advocacy in Ninewa and Sinjar

Our work in Iraq’s Ninewa Plains and Sinjar regions continues through EPIC’s field office, where we are equipping a new generation of young activists with the tools and training needed to drive meaningful change in their communities. These efforts are particularly crucial in post-conflict areas like Ninewa, Mosul, and Sinjar, where war and displacement have left lasting scars, and community-driven advocacy is key to rebuilding.

This year, we’ve brought together EPIC alumni and new participants to tackle a range of local challenges, including restoring education for displaced students, improving air quality, and addressing waste management. Ali, a young leader from Nimrud, has taken the lead in advocating for the reopening of evening schools to serve over 1,000 students in his village. His proposals are now under review by the Ministry of Education’s Opinion Committee. Meanwhile, teams in Mosul are working to create safe play areas for children, and activists in Sinjar are addressing waste accumulation as families return to rebuild.

Under the mentorship of Professor Laith Al-Obeidi, these advocacy teams have already submitted formal policy papers to local authorities, aiming to drive meaningful, community-led change. Their work, supported by SGP-International, is a powerful example of how empowering Iraq’s youth can lead to tangible progress in post-conflict zones. These young leaders are laying the foundation for a future where local communities are empowered to shape their own destinies.

Tackling Youth Unemployment Through Vocational Education Reforms

Our Generation: NEXT initiative, developed in partnership with the Iraq Health Access Organization (IHAO) and supported by Lithuania Aid, is tackling the pressing issue of youth unemployment. By modernizing vocational education programs in Iraq, we are helping young people acquire the skills needed for today’s job market.

Our research, which includes key informant interviews and site visits, revealed significant opportunities for improving the vocational education system. By identifying gaps in infrastructure, curriculum, and training capacity, we’ve provided insights that can help address some of the economic challenges contributing to youth unemployment and emigration from Iraq. Through this project, we are proud to continue our work to empower Iraq’s next generation, ensuring that they have the tools to build a stable, prosperous future.

New Addition to EPIC’s YouTube Channel and our work to Monitor Developments in Iraq

This summer, EPIC launched “IRAQ in 7 Minutes” on our YouTube channel, providing a concise, insightful look at the latest news and developments in Iraq. Every week, I team up with Omar al-Nidawi, the editor of EPIC’s Iraq Security and Humanitarian Monitor (ISHM), to explore the critical issues shaping Iraq’s political landscape, economy, and human security.

Since our debut episode on July 19, we’ve covered stories like the resumption of Iran-backed militia attacks, internal political tensions, environmental progress in Basra, and challenges facing Iraq’s displaced populations. Each episode breaks down complex news in under 7 minutes, offering viewers deeper analysis beyond the headlines. So far, we’ve released weekly episodes on Fridays, and we’re excited to continue bringing you timely updates on Iraq’s evolving situation.

From the aftermath of regional power struggles to grassroots stories of resilience, “IRAQ in 7 Minutes” aims to keep you informed about the events that matter most. I encourage you to check out our episodes, subscribe to the channel, and join the conversation as we explore what these developments mean for Iraq and its people. Our latest episodes delve into the aftermath of major security and political events, including drone attacks on coalition bases, the reopening of IDP camps, and critical reforms in Iraq’s economic and legal systems.

To stay informed and support our efforts in sharing these stories, don’t forget to subscribe to “IRAQ in 7 Minutes” on EPIC’s YouTube channel!

Supporting Yezidi Children on the 10-Year Anniversary of the Genocide

In early 2024, high school student Kaizar Doriwala approached EPIC with an inspiring idea to support children affected by conflict. Kaizar had founded a school club called Developing Diplomacy (on Instagram at #developing_diplomacy), with the goal of creating and distributing activity kits for kids in conflict zones. He reached out to EPIC seeking help in making this project a reality, hoping to bring joy and relief to displaced children in Iraq, particularly in the Yezidi community, which has been profoundly affected by the atrocities of ISIS.

Speaking with me over the phone, Kaizar explained, “Post-conflict zones like Iraq still need our help and aid, and should not be forgotten.”

Moved by his initiative, EPIC agreed to support Kaizar and his father in distributing 100 activity kits to Yezidi children living at the Sharya camp in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Home to more than 12,000 Yezidis, the camp remains a refugee for families displaced by the ISIS genocide in 2014.

On August 3, 2024, the 10th anniversary of the genocide, EPIC’s field officer, Kak Halwest, met Kaizar and his father in Erbil, serving as their guide, driver, and interpreter. Together, they distributed the kits at Sharya camp and visited Lalish Temple, the holiest site for Yezidis. Kaizar and his father also attended a deeply moving event commemorating the anniversary.

Kaizar’s project gave the children creative outlets and showed the power of global solidarity. His effort was a tangible expression of the compassion felt by many in the U.S. and beyond for the Yazidis, whose resilience continues to inspire as they rebuild from the devastation of 2014. Through partnerships like this, EPIC seeks to foster meaningful connections that uplift communities still recovering from conflict. Kaizar’s commitment to this cause is a reminder that, even from far away, individuals can make a difference in the lives of those affected by war and violence.

None of this would be possible without supporters like you. Your generosity fuels our mission to create lasting change in Iraq, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support every step of the way. If you’d like to help us continue this vital work, please consider making a donation today. Together, we can make a lasting impact.