Generation Iraq, an international non-profit organization, is working for change in Iraq.
Numerous social problems were caused from the war in Iraq, and our programs are geared towards helping some of Iraq’s most vulnerable communities become self-sustaining individuals working together to rebuild their homeland. The widows, disabled, and children of Iraq have the human capacity for positive change; with the support of our donors, Generation Iraq can provide the additional resources they need to rebuild.
Generation Iraq is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
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Generation Iraq is constructing the Olive Branch Living Memorial, planting olive trees in memory of American soldiers lost in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The orchard will be planted on land generously donated by the government of Iraqi Kurdistan.
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Generation Iraq has been involved in the development of a variety of programs aimed at providing vocational training for Iraqi teenagers, widows, and female breadwinners in a number of industries. Twenty-five years ago, Iraq was one of the most economically advanced countries in the Middle East. By providing the job skills necessary, we can work with Iraqis to restore a sustainable lifestyle to a country devastated by a despotic ruler and decades of violence.
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Helping Hips – A Belly Dance Benefit for Generation Iraq
Join us for a fundraising event like no other! Enjoy friends, food, spectacular dancing, and a silent auction.
When: Saturday, June 26 from 1:00-5:00 P.M.
Where: The Abbey Pub, 3420 West Grace Street, Chicago
To purchase tickets, donate, or buy ad space in our program book, click here. |
Saga is a teenage girl from the Al-Dora district in Baghdad. Her father was killed during the war in Iraq, and her mother worked as a servant to provide the food and rent of their small home, supporting Saga and her four siblings. Eventually, Saga began to work with a local tailor, but her employer attacked her one day.
Saga returned home with tears in her eyes and devastation in her body and soul, as well as to her honor. Distraught, Saga’s mother took Saga to confront the shop owner. He denied the allegations, and Saga’s mother went into a violent rage, beating the man unconscious. He became paralyzed and suffered brain damage. Saga and her mother were imprisoned together until after the trial, and then Saga was sent to a reformatory.
“I lost my mother, and my brothers and sisters had no food or support,” Saga said. “Now I’m thinking of my life and understand very well that what happened to us was because of our ignorance. If we had educations we would have behaved like civilized people and taken him to court and had our legal rights in such a case. We didn’t know the right process and we were victims of the bad people in the society.
“Now after the rehabilitation at the reformatory house, I feel much better, and thank Generation Iraq for the training workshop for hairdressing and makeup. I feel that the world opened for me again and Generation Iraq will take me to the right path of my life.
“I feel so great to have such training. I have the skills now and will be with my family again in the near future. I have the confidence and self-respect, and I’m sure that I will achieve my dreams at last. I promise you that I will have the respect and honor, and will do my best to serve my community and not be a heavy burden. Thank you for creating the new life for me.”
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One of the most profound experiences that one can witness in their lifetime is a selfless expression of generosity.
Generation Iraq expresses our deepest appreciation to the government of Iraqi Kurdistan for their unprecedented donation of over 300 acres of land to the Olive Branch Living Memorial. This land will be used to plant orchards in memory of lives lost in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Through their generous donation, the government of Iraqi Kurdistan is expressing their deep desire to foster reconciliation between Iraqi Kurdistan and the United States, and honor the lives of those lost in the conflicts for Iraq’s liberation.
Generation Iraq gives its heartfelt thanks to the Shaw Island School and extended community for their generous donation for school supplies and children’s books in Iraq. A portion of the donation was given in memory of a former Shaw Island school teacher, parent, and grandparent whose son has spent recent years as a journalist in Iraq.
It is both humbling and inspiring to receive the support of those dedicated to alleviating the suffering of others.
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