Centre for IDP Refugee
This is the first project we started and we are encouraged by its steady growth since 2018
Our community centre is based in a refugee/internally displaced community in the Kurdish Region of Northern Iraq. When we started this project, we asked the community what they would like to see in a Community Centre. They asked for English Language Classes, as learning English has been shown to create job opportunities. What began with the founders, Sharo and Lex, simply teaching English through singing games, has grown continually over the years to become a thriving centre at the heart of the community.
Over the years, we have offered different activities, such as martial arts, but regardless of what has been on offer, what has remained constant has been the draw of the centre for children to come and learn English, as well as have fun in a safe, nurturing environment. We have seen children develop and mature well beyond language skills in ways that will benefit their futures. They have learnt how to be leaders, growing in self-esteem and confidence.
Over the years, we have offered different activities, such as martial arts, but regardless of what has been on offer, what has remained constant has been the draw of the centre for children to come and learn English, as well as have fun in a safe, nurturing environment. We have seen children develop and mature well beyond language skills in ways that will benefit their futures. They have learnt how to be leaders, growing in self-esteem and confidence.
Over the years, we have offered different activities, such as martial arts, but regardless of what has been on offer, what has remained constant has been the draw of the centre for children to come and learn English, as well as have fun in a safe, nurturing environment. We have seen children develop and mature well beyond language skills in ways that will benefit their futures. They have learnt how to be leaders, growing in self-esteem and confidence.
Currently the centre is run by a team of outstanding local staff. We have developed a full curriculum teaching English at different levels. We have seen children come to us with no English who are now fully conversational. We are working towards the older children being able to get formal, internationally-recognised English Language Qualifications which we trust will open doors for them in future employment. We have an excellent sports programme, where the children are able to learn and play sports for the first time, allowing them to develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
The centre is a place where children living in this community, who often receive the lowest standards of education and healthcare are able to come and be loved, have fun and receive the highest standards of teaching and coaching.
There is real desire in the community for us to increase the number of days where we run the centre and, with your help, this is something we can do. Quite simply, an increase in one-off and regular donations will enable us to train and employ more local staff, which will expand the much-needed work in the community.
