In the final days of our matching campaign last week, we—well, really, you—did it. You donated $10,243 getting us beyond our goal of $10,000! Thanks to a generous donor matching all contributions up to $10,000, you got EPIC a total  of $20,243 for our youth programs in Iraq. 

Our first youth program, the Iraqi Youth Hike, is about to get underway. We’re pretty excited as the hike draws nearer and nearer. Hundreds of young people from Kirkuk’s Kurdish, Arab, and Turkmen communities applied to participate in the hike. It’s an inspiring sign about the future. Iraqi youth are desperate for opportunities to meet kids from different backgrounds, to learn something new, and to take messages about cooperation and collaboration back to their own communities.

Check out these photos of our EPIC volunteer team in Iraq going over some of the applications:

One of our EPIC field representatives, Chris De Bruyn, sent those in. Chris is a senior lecturer and photography instructor at the American University in Iraq – Sulaimani. We’ve got a great team assembled who are dedicated despite the danger of paper cuts. We couldn’t do it without them.

We also couldn’t do what we’re doing without you. Thanks for being part of the EPIC team of supporters that makes our programs happen. It’s exciting work and that excitement is thanks to you.

EPIC is an organization empowering Iraqi youth to build a lasting peace.