Street Lawyers, Doctors, Hope Buses for Iraqi Kids

Dear Friend of Iraqi Children,

We’re proud to share a recent update from the Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF) — a glimpse into the life-changing work that your generosity continues to make possible.

The Hope Buses remain a safe and nurturing space where children can learn, play, and grow. Every day, about 140–145 children join classes focused on Arabic, English, Science, and Math, paired with art, sports, and awareness activities. Each day begins with morning assembly and ends with a shared meal, promoting both learning and wellbeing.

Progress across the program remains strong, and at this point in the year we’re very pleased with how far the children have come.

- 95% of children now have legal documents to attend school

- 80% have stopped working

- 75% show improved health and nutrition

- 65% demonstrate better hygiene and behavior

- Half of all families are showing more positive engagement with their children

Among these children is 9-year-old Karim from Hope Bus 3. When his parents began divorce proceedings, he became anxious and withdrawn, fearing he would be separated from his mother. The bus team visited his home, provided daily psychosocial support for him and his sister, and worked with both parents to help them prioritize the children’s wellbeing. With the team’s guidance, the family agreed that the children would stay with their mother to ensure stability and emotional security. Karim is now smiling again, engaging in lessons, and slowly regaining his confidence.

ICF’s legal team continues to stand up for Iraq’s most vulnerable children. In recent months, the team represented dozens of children in court, helped more than 60 obtain official identity documents, and provided social and reintegration services such as health care and welfare registration.

Most cases involved begging and child marriage, where children were released back to their families with court supervision. Others involved theft, drugs, and trafficking, where our lawyers worked to prevent harsh sentencing and secure fair outcomes.

Stories like that of 16-year-old Sami, released after our lawyers proved his remorse and lack of prior record, and Noor, a trafficking victim freed after being coerced into exploitation, remind us how critical this work is.

Because of your support, children who once faced hunger, neglect, or imprisonment are now in classrooms, homes, and safe spaces. Every day, they are learning, healing, and building futures that once seemed out of reach.

Thank you for continuing to stand with Iraq’s children and for believing, as we do, that every child deserves safety, dignity, and hope.

With gratitude,
The Iraqi Children Foundation Team