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.
"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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Generation Iraq is constructing two living memorial orchards to honor the people killed since the Iraq War began in March, 2003. One orchard will be dedicated to American lives lost; the other, Iraqi lives.
The Iraqi memorial will reside on the same land as a grove of date palm trees planted in memory of the deceased. The American memorial will be erected among the acres of olive trees planted in memory of American forces killed in Iraq.
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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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Generation Iraq expresses our deepest appreciation to Ace in the Hole Foundation for their recent donation of $6,000. These funds will provide job training for young men in the field of carpentry, school supplies to 200 students, and other urgent needs. Their support is having an immense impact on the young lives of hundreds of Iraqi children.
The Ace in the Hole Foundation, Inc. was established in 2008 to raise, receive, administer, and disburse money and property for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes in the name and honor of 1st. Lt. Michael LiCalzi. In a tragic accident, Mike and three other Marines lost their lives in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Mike was 24 years old, and had only been in Iraq for six weeks before his death. The term "Ace in the Hole" derives from Mike's service with the 2nd Tank Battalion of the US Marine Corps. 2nd Tank's slogan is "Ace in the Hole".
Generation Iraq is pround to partner with Ace in the Hole Foundation in order to honor 1st. Lt. Michael LiCalzi in this way.
Generation Iraq gives its heartfelt thanks to Invacare, the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of home medical equipment. Invacare recently provided a generous donation of 100 wheelchairs for Iraqi disABLED. Thanks to their contribution, the lives of 100 individuals and their families will be greatly improved.
Invacare is the only company in the home medical equipment industry with a full line of their own equipment, including rehab, respiratory, and mobility products. Their equipment is making a positive impact in the lives of people in 80 countries around the world. To learn more, please visit their website.
While the exact figures are unknown, there are estimates that nearly 20% of Iraqi households have had at least one family member injured by war-related violence. Thanks to the compassion of Invacare and other donors such as yourselves, we are able to make a difference, and help them return their lives to normalcy. If you are interested in making a donation to Iraqi disABLED, or one of our many other projects helping Iraqis in need, please click here.
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