Iraqi Children Foundation, The Children’s Village, and Iraqi Partners Release “My Life Book” as Free Gift for Iraqi Orphans, Vulnerable Children
December 9, 2021, Washington, DC – The Iraqi Children Foundation and its U.S. partner, The Children’s Village, announced today the release of “My Life Book,” a free gift for Iraqi orphans and vulnerable children. The activity book has been presented to orphans and former street children at ICF’s Hope Buses and also to other children through the Baghdad International Book Fair at an exhibit sponsored by Asdikaee Magazine for Children.
Originally an initiative of child welfare experts at the renown Children’s Village in New York, the activity book is designed with a simple therapeutic goal for children who have experienced trauma and loss: addressing the critical, heart-felt need to belong. As explained on the back cover:
“Every child has a story. Every child belongs. This special book is lovingly created for Iraqi children to remind them that they are special and important to family, friends, community, and country.”
By filling out the book and drawing pictures of family and friends, each child is reminded of their identity, history, and roots. They also have an opportunity to dream about their future. The activity book is most meaningful done in collaboration with family members, social workers, teachers or others who can help build a child’s self-esteem and nurture healing.
The activity book was first presented to Iraqi caregivers at orphanages and nongovernmental organizations in training sessions led by The Children’s Village in Baghdad in 2012. David Collins, Chief Program Officer at The Children’s Village and ICF Board Member, explained, “We first began using the Lifebook at Children’s Village to help young people going through foster care process their experiences. We brought this resource to Iraq and have been honored to see it used as a source of comfort and support for Iraqi children dealing with trauma and loss. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Iraqi Children Foundation, Asdikaee Magazine for Children, Justice Gate Organization, Iraq Health Access Organization, and We Do Help. Together, we will continue to support Iraqi children, families and communities, as they strive for the peace, justice and stability that all people deserve.”
The new edition is bilingual (Arabic-English) and features colorful new illustrations created by staff of Iraq’s Asdikaee Magazine for Children.
In addition to the Iraqi Children Foundation and The Children’s Village of New York, this free gift to the children of Iraq is sponsored by four Iraqi partners: Asdikaee Magazine for Children, Justice Gate Organization, Iraq Health Access Organization, and We Do Help.
Iraqi NGOs working with orphans and vulnerable children may contact ICF Executive Director, Liz McRae, for further information.
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The Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF) intervenes in the lives of children who are at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation by criminals, traffickers, and extremists. ICF is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity (EIN 26-1394773). Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information, visit www.iraqichildren.org