My name is Nariman, I am a field facilitator in the Tutapona Kurdistan team and I wanted to write to you today to express my utmost gratitude for your continued support during this tough time. A simple thank you is not enough to express how much your prayers, your words of encouragement and your financial contributions have helped us keep this good work going, despite the COVID challenges.

In Kurdish culture, family has a special value - I’m the youngest of eight children! We’re very close, and it’s common for extended members to live all together in one house.

As in the rest of the world, people throughout Kurdistan and in the camps here are worried about COVID-19. Many organizations have ended their work here in the camps because of the situation and fears about the pandemic, but at Tutapona, we understand that the stress and uncertainty of this situation can make past experiences and stress of families here more prominent. We were determined to find a safe way to continue to serve people and help them find ways to overcome the challenges they are facing. That is why we reached out to families and started doing family sessions in their tents.

Running GROW with families in their tents has been really positive! We get to know the whole family and share really nice moments together. I have been amazed by their response to the program.

The mother of one family I’ve been working with has been suffering from poor mental health. She had been taking medication for it, but it didn’t seem to help. After the program, she came and told me that her husband mentioned that he had seen a big change in her! She told me, with a happy face, how thankful she was to God and Tutapona for the changes in her mental health. I was so impacted by her words. It helped me to continue to see how we are making a difference in people’s lives.

When we gather together with families, they feel valued and respected; it helps them believe in themselves again. We also get to know them in a different way and build trust between us. Tutapona provides mental health programming, but we also care about each family, which is why we continue to adapt to serve them in ways that really make a difference.

Tutapona has had an impact on their lives, and in that process, it has also impacted me. It’s shown me that serving all people regardless of distinction in race, religion or nationality is important. It’s taught me that happiness comes from giving, and it’s shown me the value God has given me. Learning these things has made me trust myself more and be productive in my family and everything I do. Your generous donations make all this possible - thank you so much!

With Much Appreciation,

Nariman

Field Facilitator
Kurdistan, Iraq