Waheeda, a 37-year-old widow and mother of seven children, lives in Iraq and survived the Yazidi genocide. Like many women in similar circumstances, she had nearly given up hope and the will to live. But after joining the trauma healing and literacy course at our Til Azer Community Center, her life took a remarkable turn.

When Waheeda first came to the center, she struggled with even the most basic literacy skills. She recalls, “I was lost. I didn’t even know how to hold a pen before coming here.” Today, she proudly writes her full name and confidently recognizes all the letters of the alphabet. “I never expected to gain so much knowledge, information, and life skills. I am so proud of myself.”

She expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity the center gave her to rediscover herself and the world around her. “You gave me the chance to open my eyes to so many things. Now I can observe the world in front of me. I can speak freely, listen more, and speak less—because you always get more when you are listening.”

Her transformation—from a place of uncertainty and isolation to confidence and empowerment—beautifully reflects how we are disrupting the cycle of genocide in 11 countries. Waheeda along with 85 children ages 4 to 11 years and 58 women aged between 18 to 50 years graduated from trauma healing and literacy courses during a single month of programming last year.

$100 will support Waheeda in four sessions.

$500 will support Waheeda’s family at our center for one year.

$5,000 will support Waheeda’s entire sewing class.

$50,000 will fund the entire center for one year and travel with us to meet Waheeda and her family next year.

We serve individuals like Waheeda all over the world. Bellwether takes a top-down and bottom-approach which means in addition to our on the ground programming. We work with governments like UK Parliament and US Congress to make policy changes that will prevent genocide on a global scale. Genocide is the only form of violence that is completely predictable, and therefore preventable. Together we can show the world that we stand with Waheeda and others affected by ongoing genocide.

Because when we act early, listen deeply, and invest boldly, hope wins. We will disrupt the cycle of genocide.

Stand with Humanity - Prevention Starts Now!