A staging of The Wizard of Oz intended to provide a platform for children of fallen peshmergas to express themselves through art and performance was performed on February 16-17 at Peshawa Hall in Erbil.
Organized by the NextGen Foundation in collaboration with the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF), the initiative seeks to nurture the artistic and emotional growth of 16 children, aged 6 to 15, whose parents sacrificed their lives in service of their homeland.
The non-profit NextGen Foundation aims to provide a platform for the children of fallen peshmerga to express themselves through the art of theater. Moreover, it intends to honor the legacy and sacrifices of the peshmerga on an international platform, as well as foster a supportive community that facilitates healing and growth for these young individuals while promoting cultural exchange and understanding through the universal language of theater.
A staging of The Wizard of Oz intended to provide a platform for children of fallen peshmergas to express themselves through art and performance was performed on February 16-17 at Peshawa Hall in Erbil.
— Kurdistan Chronicle (@KrdChronicle) February 20, 2025
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“We are proud to believe in a world where everyone can thrive, no matter their race, religion, ethnicity, or political and cultural background. Join us as we work to make the future better and more sustainable,” the NextGen Foundation said.
According to the NextGen Foundation, through this project these children will be guided to channel their experiences and emotions into a theatrical performance, slated to grace an international stage for the first time.
“This journey not only honors the legacy of the fallen peshmerga, but also empowers the young hearts towards healing, self-discovery, and global peace,” the Foundation said.
Last year, the BCF in cooperation with the NextGen Foundation organized the annual fundraising event Music Beats Cancer, where global musicians and artists came together to support children battling cancer.
The proceeds have contributed to the operations of the Awat Cancer Center, sustaining its mission for three consecutive years.
Moreover, NextGen Foundation, in collaboration with the BCF, also launched an English course for 40 children who had lost their fathers in the fight against ISIS.
The BCF also is running the Give Back and Make a Change program providing English language education to underprivileged children, helping them secure better educational and career opportunities.
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