The Kurdistan Foundation on Tuesday marked its first anniversary at Besha School in Erbil under the theme “Built to Stay – Built for the Future.”

The Kurdistan Foundation was founded one year ago by Areen Barzani, a philanthropist and public figure committed to sustainable development, youth empowerment, and cultural advancement in the Kurdistan Region. “As a prominent member of the Barzani family, his efforts focus on community building, environmental stewardship, and global engagement through the Kurdistan Foundation,” the website of the Kurdistan Foundation reads.

The Kurdistan Foundation says its commitment stands on three pillars: building, belonging, and becoming. Through these, the organization aims to promote togetherness, collaboration, and Kurdish national pride to create a society where people meaningfully contribute to the ongoing story of a thriving local community. 

“The Kurdistan Foundation will serve as the home for innovative initiatives. It will be a space where ideas are nurtured, opportunities are created, and dreams are realized,” Yara Barzanji, Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Kurdistan Foundation, said at the event.

“Today, one year later, I proudly stand here and confirm that we have completed 49 projects for the betterment of our region and have over 2 million beneficiaries,” she concluded. 

At the event, the Kurdistan Foundation also launcheded Ganjina Phase II, expanding international opportunities for Kurdish youth through global workshops, conferences, fellowships, and networking programs, and and showcasedcased success stories from the project’s the project’s Phase II.

There were also updates from the Kurdistan Foundation’s Volunteer.KRD program, which now has over 25,000 volunteers, and Jobs.KRD, which has trained thousands and connected youth to job opportunities. 

Furthermore, the “10 Problems, 10 Solutions” Youth Lab was introduced. This program is a monthly youth-led community problem-solving initiative, with each project supported by $1,000 in funding, and a new annual bachelor scholarship.

Sakar Ali, Public Relations Manager of the Kurdistan Foundation, added that “today’s event is to mark one year of continuous growth, achievements, and impact. On the anniversary day, we in the Kurdistan Foundation are announcing the 100 Schools Campaign, to renovate the gardens and drinking water systems in 100 schools.”