Basheer Korea Orphanage

Springs of Hope
Aug 3
6 min read

A year ago we adopted, and totally fell in love with a group of Yezidi children living in a local orphanage in the village. Children who are victims of war, of the injustices of this present age and region, and some whose parents are in jail. Children who although in an institution are greatly loved and protected. We have brought them on a weekly basis to Horses for Hope, where we combine equine therapy with feeding the ducks, art and music, to give them opportunities to express themselves in verbal and non verbal ways and have a wonderful time away in a totally different atmosphere from that of the orphanage, as pleasant and homey as it is.

During this year they have leaned into us, as we have to them becoming very close. It is a joy and a privilege to serve the orphanage and the children, to watch them grow up with confidence and self awareness, knowing their capabilities and always interested to learn and achieve more. They are like a closed package when they arrive, but then we have the joy of watching them unfold and unpack themselves as they feel love and acceptance from us.

We can not be biological fathers to these precious children but we can extend biblical principles and allow them to eat until they are filled, (Deut 14:29) we can show them God’s justice (Deut 10:18) and accept them into our family (Psalm 68.6) where they can build both new memories and healthy life principles through simple interaction with both humans and animals.

Sabah Amin, Center Manager, Basheer Korea Orphanage

“Over the past year, our children have had the incredible opportunity to visit the Springs of Hope Foundation stable each week. What started as a simple weekly outing has grown into something truly meaningful — a place they now lovingly call their second home.

These visits have brought warmth and joy into their lives in ways that are hard to describe. As orphans, our children don’t always have spaces where they feel safe, valued, and free to express themselves. But Springs of Hope has become exactly that — a haven where they are not only welcomed, but deeply seen and cared for.

Each visit lights up their faces. They’ve discovered so much — from learning to connect gently with horses, to exploring their creativity through art, to simply feeling the comfort of being surrounded by love and acceptance. They return with laughter, stories, and excitement, already looking forward to the next time.

Thanks to this beautiful experience, we’ve witnessed real growth in their emotional wellbeing, self-confidence, and imagination. We are deeply grateful to the entire Springs of Hope team for opening their hearts and creating a space where our children can heal, grow, and truly thrive.”

Sabah Amin, Center Manager, Basheer Korea Orphanage

”

Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.

-Neil Postma

Nishtiman, Orphanage Teacher

"As someone who works closely with the children every day, I see firsthand how deeply they need love, safety, and belonging. Our children are orphans — they have no one to care for them, and often, they don’t fully understand the world around them. But there are places, like Springs of Hope Foundation, that step in with compassion and create a community where they can begin to feel seen and supported.

Springs of Hope is something truly special — not just for our children, but for many others too. Through the Horses for Hope program, the children have found a place that fills them with energy, joy, and a sense of wonder. It’s a place they will never forget — not in a hundred or even a thousand years.

No matter where life takes them or who they grow up to be, this place will stay in their hearts. There’s something magical in how the children connect with the horses — they feel understood, they feel strong. And the horses seem to love them just as much, giving them comfort, confidence, and hope.

I want to thank every single person who cares — even just a little — about children like ours. They are completely innocent and deserve every bit of kindness this world can offer."

Nishtiman, Orphanage Teacher

”

Every time we hold out the hand of friendship to someone not like us… we heal one of the fractures of our wounded world.

-Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.

Salam, Art Director & Director of Kids4Hope

"These children are so wonderful and cute, each with a very special personality. They are part of the greater community and part of our community life. I have observed that our time with them has helped them to feel confident and even allow themselves to display a great sense of humour.

When we are with them, we feel like we are healing a wound in our community. We see that they readily embrace love, peace, hope, joy. It is our honour to help them."

Salam. Art Director & Director of Kids4Hope.

”

What will be your legacy to the world? The orphans you have fathered in your name.

-A. T. Hincks

Avya, Early Learning Teacher

"We do everything we can to bring a little joy and healing into these children’s lives. I work with many children, but what we’ve been able to offer through the Horses for Hope program at Springs of Hope Foundation is truly special. Once a week, we hold sessions of art, music, and play therapy — and it’s become something the children look forward to with all their hearts.

The “cowboys,” as the children call them, do an amazing job. Through their connection with the horses, they give the children not just smiles, but real hope. Every time we go, we can see it — the kids light up. They thrive. It feels like they’ve already started to miss the place before we even leave. That’s how much it means to them. It’s become a home — a safe, joyful space where they can be free to be themselves and to love the "cowboys".

I wish to see each one of them grow into a bright future, to rise high and live a happy life. And I know none of this would be possible without the kind hearts who support Horses for Hope. Your support makes all the difference — because there are so many other children like them who may never get such a chance.

Thank you for believing in them."

Avya, Early Learning Teacher

Wissam, Equine Therapy

"As the person responsible for caring for the Horses for Hope stables, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many amazing children from different backgrounds — children with special needs, autism, mental health challenges — and of course, orphans.

Among them, the orphans have truly left a special mark on my heart. They are incredibly kind, polite, and carry a quiet strength within them. Despite knowing they are orphans, they smile more than you’d expect. They carry joy. And I see that joy especially when they connect with the horses.

I guide them through horseback riding as part of the therapy, and every time, they are filled with happiness. They often tell me, “We missed the horses so much! We love them!” The bond they form is real — it’s deep, and it’s healing.

What we’re doing here isn’t just about horses. It’s about giving them something meaningful to hold on to. These moments become a part of their life journey. Horses for Hope gives them strength, comfort, and a spark of hope that they carry with them long after they leave."

Wissam, Equine Therapy

Van's Experience

"When Vans first started visiting the stable, he wasn’t afraid of the horses, but he didn’t have the courage to go near them either. He used to stand from a distance, quietly watching while the other children interacted with the animals. It was clear that he was interested, but something held him back.

As the weeks passed and the children continued going to the stable, Vans slowly began to open up. He saw that the

horses were calm, kind, and gentle creatures. He realized they weren’t scary at all; they were friendly and peaceful.

Little by little, he started getting closer. One day he stood next to one, another day he reached out to touch its back. With every visit, his confidence grew. He began feeding the horses, petting them. He even started enjoying being around the other animals, the ducks, the rabbits, the chickens always with a smile on his face.

Now, Vans is full of excitement every time we mention the stable. He feels comfortable, happy, and connected to the animals. It’s beautiful to see how much he has grown not just in how he interacts with the animals, but also in the way he carries himself with more confidence and calmness.

Thank you, Springs of Hope, for creating this space where our children feel free to explore, not just Vans. All of our children have grown through these visits. They’ve become more confident, calm, and connected not just with animals, but with each other too."