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Our World Cup Themed Weeks Are Over!
What a special journey! Over the past few weeks, we used the FIFA World Cup in order to give our children an understanding of more than just football. Our themed weeks showed: Sports unite people - no matter the heritage, language or culture.
23. Jul 2026 Read more
Creativity and Team Spirit
As part of our World Cup themed week, a few of our children had a special idea: They designed their own posters and created fan videos for their favourite teams using iPads from our digital library.
29. Jun 2026 Read more
Our School Caught the World Cup Bug!
Football unites - we feel that every day at our school. The children's excitement for football is huge despite their difficult living situations. There are fans for the different national teams from all over the world at our school.
22. Jun 2026 Read more
International Yoga Day
The International Yoga Day is a yearly reminder of how important it is for us to take some time for movement, rest and our own wellbeing.
21. Jun 2026 Read more
Practised Solidarity
Education is more than just studying in a class room for our children - education offers protection, stability and a small sense of normality in the children's daily lives. That's why we are even more thankful for the support we have received: Thanks to a donation by the Abt Steyrer school we've been partnered with for more than a year, we were able to provide over 460 students with sandals and personal hygiene articles.
20. Jun 2026 Read more
Fresh Peaches from Greened Bridge
During the last couple of days, peaches were being harvested at the Greened Bridge farm. These fruits were given to the Our Bridge school for orphans, where fresh cooked meals are being prepared for several hundred children daily.
03. Jun 2026 Read more
International Children's Day
Yesterday was a very special day for our children. Thanks to a sponsor's generous support, we were able to buy more than 450 pieces of summer clothing and distributed them to our children. The joy in their faces was invaluable.
02. Jun 2026 Read more
Insect Hotels for Our Schoolyard
Summer is approaching and temperatures are rising. It is about time to whip our schoolyard into shape!
05. May 2026 Read more
Our Team Workshops for a Better Education
Good education does not develop randomly - it is the result of dedication, reflection and continuous growth. This is why our team workshops are a vital part of our everyday life at school.
30. Mar 2026 Read more
Our Doors Stay Open
Despite current events, our doors will remain opened. Regular schools here in Iraq have been closed down until March 23, 2024. For many children, this means: No classes, no daily routine, even more uncertainty. This is why we have made the conscious decision to keep our school open.
11. Mar 2026 Read more
A Day for our Heroines
We celebrated a very special day at our school today: International Women's Day. On (not just) this day, we want to celebrate the incredible strength, courage and lust for life of our women, specifically of the 30 widows that had to flee from ISIS and have been attending our school for years.
08. Mar 2026 Read more
Festival of Joy - Our Special Carnival
Yesterday, we celebrated carnival with our students - in our own way. We deliberately named it 'Festival of Joy'.
13. Feb 2026 Read more
Visitors from the German School Erbil
Last week, we were able to welcome high school students as well as their teachers from the German School Erbil at our school. They had begun collecting donations in kind towards the end of last year and wanted to hand them out to our students in person. Now, the time had finally come.
11. Feb 2026 Read more
A Breath of Fresh Air in Our Classrooms
A lot of things were happening over the last couple of days. We tidied up and thoroughly cleaned our classrooms and the walls got a new coat of paint. Thanks to the valuable support of Stiftung Entwicklungs-Zusammenarbeit Baden-Württemberg (SEZ), we were able to equip our classrooms with Smart Boards.
01. Feb 2026 Read more
Happy New Year!
From the bottom of our hearts, we'd like to wish all of you a healthy, happy and blessed new year.
05. Jan 2026 Read more
New Year's at Our Bridge
Together with our children, we said goodbye to the previous year in a very special way. There was laughter, games and celebration at Our Bridge - with many different game stations that provided joy, movement and community.
01. Jan 2026 Read more
A Moment of Warmth: Christmas Baking
This week, the Bundeswehr visited our school yet again and helped bake christmas biscuits together with our children.
30. Dec 2025 Read more
New Steps into the Future
This week, we were able to be part of a very special moment for our children: All of our 450 children received new, sturdy shoes!
24. Dec 2025 Read more
Christmas Packages for our Widows
30 widows are currently taking part in our daily knitting and sewing classes at our school. We accompany and support them continuosly: Our goal is to strenghten their independence, confidence and prospects.
16. Dec 2025 Read more
St. Nicholas has arrived!
Today was a very special day at our school: We were visited by St. Nicholas who let a lot of children's heart beat faster.
06. Dec 2025 Read more
World Children's Day
Today is a special day - World Children's Day, or more specifically, The International Day of Children's Rights. We celebrated this important day together with our students.
20. Nov 2025 Read more
The Tooth Fairy visits Our Bridge
On two separate weekends, were were lucky to welcome special visitors yet again: The german Bundeswehr came to visit. This time however, they arrived not only with tools, but with a tooth fairy!
08. Nov 2025 Read more
A Very Special Visit that Touched our Hearts
Last week, we were able to welcome a very special visitor: Ghazalleh (Dayka Xazal) Pakseresht, Xatar's mother. Giwar Hajabi (Xatar) is an especially meaningful supporter of ours because he helped us during a time when our vision was still being belittled.
06. Nov 2025 Read more
Upcycling: Turning Old into New
As you all know, the German Bundeswehr came by to build new furniture for our school corridor a few weeks ago. Instead of getting rid of our old furniture, we worked together with our students to give new life to it.
22. Sep 2025 Read more
The German Bundeswehr is Visiting
Working together for our children - A big 'Thank You' to the German Bundeswehr! A few months ago, the German Bundeswehr built beautiful tables and benches for our school hallways. Now, the soldiers have returned.
21. Sep 2025 Read more
Electing Class Representatives For The New School Year
We took an important step at the beginning of the new school year: Every student at our school was able to vote for a class representative. Through this election, we want to involve our children more strongly, hear their voices and actively incorporate them in everyday life at school.
31. Aug 2025 Read more
Anniversary! The Our Bridge School Turns Eight Years Old
Today, we were able to celebrate a very special anniversary: Our school turned eight years old. Eight years full of learning, hope and future - only made possible through your loyal support.
26. Aug 2025 Read more
In Remembrance of the Victims of August 3, 2014
Today. August 3. A day we will never forget. Today is the 11th anniversary of the genocide against the Yezidi.
03. Aug 2025 Read more
A Spontaneous Trip to the Zoo
Last week, we surprised three of our classes with a very special surprise: A spontaneous trip to the zoo!
12. Jul 2025 Read more
In Memory of Giwar Hajabi
You encouraged me to be courageous, to dream even bigger. And now, you are gone - without ever expecting anything at all. How am I ever supposed to thank you, Giwar?
10. May 2025 Read more
Rolling Up Our Sleeves
Rolling up our sleeves for the children: Other than reading, there was a lot of screwing, sawing and hammering at our school last week, and all of it with a lot of heart.
07. May 2025 Read more
New Books for Our School Library
A special moment for our school: Last week, we had the pleasure of receiving some of the troops of the German Bundeswehr stationed in Erbil once again at our school. This time, they had a very special gift for us: New books for our school library!
06. May 2025 Read more
An Educational Workshop for Our Teachers
The highlight of last week was very special for us: An educational workshop for our teaching staff, carried out by the German school in Erbil.
03. May 2025 Read more
A School Festival with Fun, Games and Certificates
A very special day filled with pride, joy and community for our team and the children. A few weeks ago, our teachers participated in a workshop by the American University and CAPA and now it was finally time for them to receive their certificates.
11. Apr 2025 Read more
Our Youngest Explore the Digital World
Even our youngest students learn via our digital library how they can use the digital world to their advantage. This week in class 1C, it was time for a very special morning lesson: 'Who am I?'
26. Mar 2025 Read more
The World of Books
A book: A common object, a given for many people - for our children however, books are an entirely new world. This week, we took our youngest students on a special adventure: Exploring the world of books! Many of them had never held a book in their own hands before.
11. Mar 2025 Read more
International Women's Day
A meaningful surprise for our women: Today was a special day at our school. On the occasion of International Women's Day, we wanted to treat the 30 strong women that visit our school daily to a surprise.
08. Mar 2025 Read more
First Aid Workshop: Knowledge That Can Save Lives
There was another first aid workshop at our school today, this time for a different class. These workshops are of great meaning for our students as they live in refugee camps and are constantly being confronted with dangerous situations.
27. Feb 2025 Read more
AI in Classrooms: Workshop at AUK
Over the weekend, our teachers had the chance to participate in an interesting workshop at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK). We'd like to thank the team of CAPA for this valuable opportunity and their support!
26. Feb 2025 Read more
Great Company with Fun and Pizza
To the children's excitement, the Deutsche Bundeswehr visited us yet again last week! The children already knew some of the soldiers from previous visits which made their reunion even more precious.
19. Feb 2025 Read more
Animal Protection with Dr. Suleiman
This week, we welcomed a very special visitor at our school: Dr. Suleiman, a commited veterinarian who has been advocating for animal protection in Kurdistan, Iraq for many years.
13. Feb 2025 Read more
The Key to Happiness is Gratitude
It is especially important for our children to remind themselves of all the good things in their lives - even during difficult times. This is why we've been working with a special companion for a couple of years: the 'my new life'-book, which has kindly been provided to us by Pallas.
09. Feb 2025 Read more
A Very Special Team Visits Our School
Last week, we had the chance of welcoming a very special team at our school: The German Bundeswehr, which is stationed in Erbil.
23. Jan 2025 Read more
Norms and Values are Key to a Better Future
At our school for refugee children, we focus not only on education, but also teach codes of conduct like respectful behaviour. We want our children who live in nearby refugee camps to learn as well as take away important values for their lives.
16. Jan 2025 Read more
Celebrating New Year's Eve: A Day Filled With Joy and Hope
We came together with our children for a small, yet very special celebration of today's New Year's Eve. For just a moment, the children were able to leave their daily struggles behind to just be children - playing, laughing and spending time together.
31. Dec 2024 Read more
Working Together for a Green Future
Our raised beds in the refugee camp: A couple of weeks ago, we asked what you thought our children might possibly be building - now we would like to show you the result!
30. Dec 2024 Read more
Happy Holiday Season
At the beginning of December, we had the chance of visiting the German School in Erbil's Christmas market with 20 of our students. What an exciting day!
24. Dec 2024 Read more
Our Wall of Heroes
A creative highlight at our school! Did you know that our school is being run by 30 committed staff members? From teachers to janitors, from bus drivers to gardeners - all of them are heroes in our daily school life.
04. Dec 2024 Read more
Our Children Build Nest Boxes
A project with heart and purpose - Our children build nest boxes. A while ago, we asked you: What would you guess is our plan for wooden planks? Today, we are revealing the secret!
24. Nov 2024 Read more
An Adventure for Animal Protection
Yesterday, we welcomed a special visitor at our school: Adventurer Mitchell Hutchcraft stopped by at our school in order to talk to our students about animal protection.
14. Nov 2024 Read more
Experiencing Environmental Education Firsthand: Organization Jinda's Recycling Center
Environmental Education has been an inherent part of our school curriculum for a couple of years. For our students here in Northern Iraq, it is essential to learn why and how they can protect the environment. This topic is of the utmost importance specifically in camps where so much plastic is being used.
09. Nov 2024 Read more
Warm Healthy Meals at Our Bridge
We provide warm meals daily for over 400 children at our school. For our children - who live in camps and often aren't sure if there will be enough to eat - the meals at Our Bridge are more than just food...
29. Oct 2024 Read more
Digital Learning For The Future
We took a giant step towards digital education at our school! Thanks to the generous support of Pallas Seminare and the German Federal Foreign Office, we were able to set up a digital library that our students have been using enthusiastically.
18. Oct 2024 Read more
Physical Wellbeing with Dr. Khalid
A few days ago, we had the joy and honour of welcoming Dr. Khalid, a physiotherapist and chiropractor from Duhok, as a guest at our school. He spent an entire day with us in order to help our children and widows who visit our school for sewing and knitting classes with their physical wellbeing.
22. Sep 2024 Read more
Fire Protection and First Aid Workshop
A little while ago we mentioned that our employees and some of our students had participated in an important workshop regarding fire protection and first aid. Today, we're happy to announce that a second workshop for our children has successfully taken place!
12. Sep 2024 Read more
Anniversary! The Our Bridge School Turns Seven Years Old
Seven years ago on August 26th, 2017, the doors to our orphanage in Northern Iraq opened - a refuge for children that had to flee from the horros of ISIS. Today, seven years later, we proudly look at our school which offers a home and education to more than 400 children daily.
24. Aug 2024 Read more
Our Mission: Hope and Education for the Children from Sinjar
For almost a century, specifically since October 2014, we at Our Bridge e.V. have tirelessly been standing up for the refugee children from Sinjar. These children had to flee from the horrors of the self proclaimed Islamic State and now make up the heart and soul of our school in Northern Iraq. Our goal is not only providing them with education, but also with hope and the chance for a brighter future.
19. Aug 2024 Read more
Ten Years After The Genocide Against the Yazidi - In Remembrance
August 3, 2024 marks the 10 year anniversary of the genocide against the Yazidi. On this day, thousands of innocent people were brutally murdered, displaced and enslaved. Entire villages were obliterated and the survivors were forced to flee. Our organisation Our Bridge e.V. was founded in 2014 in order to help these survivors.
15. Aug 2024 Read more
10 Years after the Genocide: A Reunion in Sinjar
Yesterday marked the 10 year anniversary of the genocide against the Yazidi. Our students, who live in nearby refugee camps, have never forgotten that terrible period of time. On Friday, our school's management team visited the Sinjar region, the home of our students that they were forced to flee from 10 years ago.
04. Aug 2024 Read more
Our Bridge: Arisen from the Ashes
Today, 3 August, 2024 marks the 10 year anniversary. One century ago, the Yazidi community was shattered by a horrible crime. From the ashes of this tragedy arose our educational center; a place to bring hope and new beginnings for many children and widows.
03. Aug 2024 Read more
A Glimpse into the Future: Visiting the AUK in Duhok
As many of you know, the American University Kurdistan and CAPA in Duhok have been supporting our project for quite some time now. Last wednesday, our students of class 2 had the wonderful opportunity of visiting the university.
28. Jul 2024 Read more
An Unforgettable Field Trip
At our school, we want to offer not just education but also hope and joy. Last thursday, we were able to invite 80 students who got particularly good results in their exams on a field trip.
23. Jul 2024 Read more
Mandela Day
Today, on Mandela Day, we celebrate the birthday of an unforgettable symbol of freedom and justice: Nelson Mandela. His legacy lives on and inspires us every single day.
18. Jul 2024 Read more
Our Aspiring Artist Malak
Malak is 11 years old and lives in the nearby UN refugee camp in Khanke together with her siblings and their mother. Ever since she was young, she has had a passion for art and spends every free minute getting her creative ideas on paper.
15. Jul 2024 Read more
World Environment Day at our School
We carried out a special project together with our students at our school in honour of World Environment Day. Our school for refugee children in northern Iraq transformed into a place for education and action to support the importance of environmental protection.
05. Jun 2024 Read more
International Children's Day - A Day for our Future
Today, on International Children's Day, we want to draw attention to the importance of education and care for refugee children. Our school offers access to education, but more importantly hope and the chance for a better future to these wonderful children who live in refugee camps.
01. Jun 2024 Read more
A Day Trip with our Brave Widows
We'd like to share a touching story with you today: Other than the many refugee children that attend our school, we take care of 30 brave widows who fled from ISIS from Northern Iraq. Some of them have survived terrible times in ISIS captivity and are still missing some of their loved ones.
19. May 2024 Read more
Water Dispensers for Families in Camps
Thank You, David! Thanks to a generous donation by David Lohmüller, we were able to buy 20 water dispensers with filtration systems for families in our refugee camps.
26. Apr 2024 Read more
Waste Separation for more Sustainability
Our school in Khanke is continuously striving for more sustainabilitiy - not only to help our children, but the community as a whole. This is why we are particularly excited to announce that we have introduced waste separation at our school - a practice that is actually not widespread in this area.
11. Apr 2024 Read more
First Aid and Fire Protection: A Workshop for our Students
This week was particularly meaningful to us. After our teachers successfully participated in a workshop concerning first aid and fire protection, we offered another workshop for our students with the help of THW and JCC organisation.
11. Mar 2024 Read more
A Successful Football Tournament in Khanke
We are proud to be the winners of a football tournament held in Khanke! Our teachers formed a team and demonstrated an impressive performance.
07. Mar 2024 Read more
Shahd's Fate
When a family is suddenly dependent on a single person...
18. Feb 2024 Read more
Eidi's Fate
'Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.'
11. Feb 2024 Read more
Important Training in Fire Protection
Last tuesday, we took a crucial step towards safety for our community at our school: A thorough training in fire protection, which was kindly supported by the organisation JCC from Duhok and in cooperation with the THW.
03. Feb 2024 Read more
We Say 'Thank You'!
Over the last couple of days, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Eckhard Weissenberger from the Bahlingen church at our school in Northern Iraq.
01. Feb 2024 Read more
English Workshops for our Teachers
Do you remember? We've previously told you about the upcoming English workshops and it is about to get exciting: Our teachers expand their skills in innovative educational workshops at an American university: Three evenings per week!
30. Jan 2024 Read more
Sinur's Fate
Six-year-old Sinur and his family live in the IDP Camp in Khanke which is often plagued by power outages. Despite these adverse conditions, Sinur is lucky to be part of our educational program which offers him a hopeful outlook for a brighter future.
27. Jan 2024 Read more
Bewar's Fate
'Poverty scares me'.
21. Jan 2024 Read more
Jiyan's Fate
'We've been living in a UN refugee camp for 7 years by now. I've been dreaming of becoming a teacher in order to support my parents with my income for forever'.
07. Jan 2024 Read more
Atina's Fate
Atina: A life filled with challenges and joy for yoga!
05. Jan 2024 Read more
New Year's Day: A Celebration of Hope and Courage
Dear friends and supporters, the year is 2024 and we would like to share a special moment with you all. Inmidst all the challenges that our children face as refugees and orphans, we experienced a celebration of hope and courage on New Year's Day.
02. Jan 2024 Read more
Merry Christmas - The Year 2023 Is Coming to a Close
We'd like to wish you all a merry Christmas! May your holidays be filled with joys and precious moments among your loved ones.
26. Dec 2023 Read more
Art Project 'Illuminated Gardens'
Today, we'd like to present a special project at our school to you! Over the last two months, our students between the ages of 11 and 16 (classes 3, 4 and 5) have been working on a creative project in art class.
26. Dec 2023 Read more
English Classes at the American University
Great news! We continue our mission of creating a bright future for young refugees through education. Next year we will reach another big milestone since we don't want to rest on previous successes.
08. Dec 2023 Read more
A Cheerful St. Nicholas Day
We had a magical surprise at our school today! Equipped with a sack full of sweets, St. Nicholas brought a gift for every child and managed to put a smile on every face.
06. Dec 2023 Read more
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Today is an important day where we celebrate the unbelievable strength, diversity and uniqueness of every single one of us.
03. Dec 2023 Read more
Angel's Fate
Little Angel, 7, introduces herself: 'I was born here in Khanke, but my family's home is Shingal. Since the genocide at the hands of ISIS, we have not been able to regain our old lives.'
19. Nov 2023 Read more
A Donation for our School Library
'Of all the worlds that man has created, that of books is the most powerful' - Heinrich Heine
15. Nov 2023 Read more
Introducing our Teacher Karoj
'I want to make sure that all of my students go home with a smile on their face'
13. Oct 2023 Read more
Lara, Laith und Landa's Fate
There are times when you feel betrayed by life itself. For siblings Lara, Laith and Landa, everything suddenly changed when they became half-orphans.
09. Nov 2023 Read more
Basam's Fate
'I lost my mother before I even turned one year old...'
29. Oct 2023 Read more
Our Bridge is for Everyone
Our educational center offers a daily routine including warm meals, a variety of mobility and educational games even to the youngest children.
26. Oct 2023 Read more
Avin's Fate
She was only 14 days old when her mother left her... Today, Avin is nine years old and an important puzzle piece of our Our Bridge family.
23. Oct 2023 Read more
We Only Have This One Earth
Education doesn't stop at the mandatory school curriculum. We need informed and mature children who will grow into responsible adults when it comes to sustainability.
15. Oct 2023 Read more
Rula's Fate
Rula, you are so strong! Rula is only six years old and lost her mother just a couple of months ago which turned her into a half-orphan. Now, even Rula's father lives separated from her and her seven siblings.
01. Oct 2023 Read more
Sickness and Health
One cannot buy health, yet also not pay for sickness. Despite this, many families are facing a hopeless situation when an important surgery for one of their children becomes necessary.
28. Sep 2023 Read more
On the Day of the Environment
On the Day of the Environment, we also embarked on an impressive initiative together with our children. Alongside all the students in our school, we cleaned up the entire village from litter. Over 100 bags of trash were filled, and the village shone with renewed splendor.
05. Jun 2023 Read more
Annalena Baerbock's Inspiring Visit to Our Bridge Orphanage School in Iraq
There are moments in life that remind us that we are all connected, regardless of our geographical location or life circumstances. One such uplifting event recently took place when Annalena Baerbock, the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Our Bridge, an orphanage school in Iraq that advocates for education and equal opportunities.
09. Mar 2023 Read more
Trip to the American University in Semel
Daring to look into the future
03. Apr 2022 Read more
Prof. Dr. Thorsten Bohl as guest at Harman
School should constantly develop - The University of Tübingen supports us in this directly on site in Xanke! 
17. Mar 2022 Read more
Dancing with Majid Kessab at Harman
A role model you can touch: With Majid Kessab, it has been proven once again that childhood dreams can come true.
06. Mar 2022 Read more
Christmas
The end of the year is an exciting time
31. Dec 2021 Read more
Examination hour with Dr. Walid
Together with students of dentistry, the Kurdish dentist Dr. Walid visited our Harman Education Center:  The team was able to perform numerous dental checkups on the children and then make recommendations for further treatment.
08. Sep 2021 Read more
Mouth and nose protection production in Harman
The female workers at Harman have been through severely traumatizing life events and continue to suffer from the poor conditions in the camp. The team that produces the mouth-nose coverings is made up of women with a diversity of tragic biographies. They are women who were enslaved in IS captivity and freed; women who witnessed the deaths of husbands, children, family members and friends. They are women who are single and living at subsistence level. Since the beginning of the corona pandemic, these women have been working for fixed wages and regular hours at the Harman Education Center, producing mouth-nose coverings for the refugee camps in Khanke.
24. Jul 2020 Read more
Current information about Corona

Despite the Corona crisis, we are doing everything we can to continue our work as well, quickly and reliably as possible. At the same time, we are helping to prevent the spread of the corona virus in the crisis areas of the autonomous region of Kurdistan. In doing so, we are providing on-the-ground support to those who are particularly affected by the corona crisis: The poorest of the poor. Current information about the work of Our Bridge in the Corona crisis at a glance...

09. May 2020 Read more
Annalena Baerbock visiting
'Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something has meaning, no matter how it turns out.'- Václav Havel
27. Jun 2019 Read more
Spring beginning in the Harman orphanage
Dear supporters,
Morian has successfully completed his practice phase with us at the orphanage Harman. From now on I will take over the newsletter.
27. Apr 2018 Read more
The Our Bridge Education Center is launched
In the last newsletter you already learned that the truck with all the material from Germany arrived in Xhanke.
22. Mar 2018 Read more
News from Kurdistan
after a small winter break, we will be back directly from Xhanke, Kurdistan .....
09. Feb 2018 Read more
New year, new luck: changes in the orphanage Harman
I hope you all started well into the new year. In the orphanage Harman was extensively celebrated and welcomed the new year ....
10. Jan 2018 Read more


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