Joonas Haverinen 
In Erbil, northern Iraq, Fida has supported a club for children with disabilities who have fled Syria with their families.
Syrian-born Roula Komery, now living in Iraq, realized that children with disabilities from her home country had no activities or support services available. She decided to act and founded her own club in spring 2024.
– Before the club was created, children and families who had fled from Syria to Iraq were left without support. Many of the children had traumatic experiences from fleeing, and there was hardly anything for them to do at home, Komery says.
At the club, children with disabilities can play and do crafts together. One of the mothers is delighted that the children are learning to support each other.
– Above all, the group provides us with peer support – the kind the children would not otherwise have, the mother says.
Crafts Boost Self-Confidence
Last Christmas, the group organized an exhibition of the children’s crafts, which members of the surrounding community could purchase.
– With the proceeds from the sale, we funded a trip to the zoo for the children. This encouraged them greatly, as they realized they are an important part of the community, Komery says happily.
Roula Komery dreams that the craft skills could one day grow into a livelihood for the children, enabling independent income.
In Iraq, it is difficult for people with disabilities to find employment, so creative approaches to developing livelihoods are important. Due to unemployment, many people with disabilities are left on the margins of society, which is why practicing skills from a young age can open new opportunities and be beneficial in the long term.
– When children see that their products are being bought, it strengthens their self-confidence and gives them the feeling that they can achieve anything, Komery says.
The Big Impact of Small Support
One of the children’s mothers explains that Syria was no longer a safe place for her children. Her 12-year-old daughter has Down syndrome, and starting a new life in Iraq has been challenging. The club has also provided a much-needed break for parents, who act as caregivers at home.
Fida’s support has made transportation to the club possible for the children, which has been a significant help for many families.
– Fida’s support has been crucial for the children, their families, and our entire community. Thanks to it, we have been able to continue the club’s activities, Komery says gratefully.
Supported by funding from Finland’s development cooperation.
