Help Build Rozha's Sanctuary

FIELD UPDATE

It’s our pleasure to introduce the next generation of Prof. Saeed’s family. Rozha has volunteered with us for most of our years and is now on our teaching staff.

Saeed has always been “tough and straight” with regard to her. “She gets no leniency, she is as everyone else, no favours and no discounts. In the world of education and employment, she stands alone; she is not my daughter.” And thus it has been. The famous apple has not fallen far from the tree; she is both creative and strategic, whatever she puts her hand to, she succeeds.

She spent a few years living in Germany, away from her parents, in order to undergo multiple orthopedic operations whilst living with extended family, and once completed, returned to the embrace of her family and community.

When I look at Rozha, I think of the verse from Proverbs 22: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Today Rozha introduces herself and shares something of her journey and ever-increasing vision.

“My name is Rozha Saeed Khudeida. I am 24 and nearing a major milestone in my life. I am about to graduate from the College of Basic Education in the English Language Department of the University of Duhok.

Looking back at how I began my journey with Springs of Hope, I am proud of how far I have come. When I first arrived at the Foundation as a newly appointed English teacher, I will be honest, it was a little hard at the beginning. Everything was new; I didn't know any of the students, whose background was one so remote for me, former captives of ISIS. I quickly realised that being a good educator isn't just about giving information, it's about building a good and strong connection, and in the case of our students, it's about gaining their trust. I needed to give myself time to get to know them as individuals rather than the English class, to listen to their needs and find out exactly their goals and what they want to achieve through our classes.

My history with the foundation goes back to when I was still a fourth-grade school student and came alongside during the holidays as a volunteer. Even then I was eager to share knowledge and began giving courses in several areas, such as art, computer skills and play therapy. One of my favourite memories from that time was when I designed bags for Sewing Hope, which were offered for sale. In retrospect, I feel that those early moments of design and helping others are why I am here today.

Providing help and building trust with the foundation itself and the students paved the way for my future. I’ll admit I was a little afraid. I was worried that the students wouldn't like me and wouldn't feel comfortable with my teaching style. It was a difficult beginning because I did not know them yet. The kids who were in captivity are not like any other students. They live in their own world to which not everyone gains access. However, I did not allow my fear to stop me and worked very hard to find my own way of teaching. I made it a priority to let my students know that I am always there for them. By showing them this support that extended outside of the classroom, we built a strong mutual connection.

Taking the time to understand their needs, to listen to them, turned my initial fear into a successful partnership. I was very aware of their environment, their living situation and their heightened sensitivity. Due to this, I am extremely careful with my vocabulary and use of words. I make sure that I never say something to disturb them, upset them or cause them to feel in any way uncomfortable.

Every teacher faces obstacles; for me, the challenge was the differing levels of proficiency of the students. In one class I found myself navigating three clearly different levels of English at the same time. This is hard, and initially my concern was that it would quickly become boring for the more advanced students if the pace was not right. You may ask, why don't we split the group? Simply because their individual life is still rooted in the community they made whilst in captivity. Where one goes, all go; what one does, all do.

Moving forward, I want to achieve a classroom environment that is student-friendly and where no one feels left out or lagging behind, regardless of their level of competence. I plan to use Learning Stations to provide each level the specific level of attention needed, and Peer-to-Peer Mentoring to turn differences and weaknesses into carefully empowered strengths. By creating a safe space, I will be able to protect my students’ emotions and feelings whilst helping them to master the English Language.

My goal is to use the trust I have earned to become an educator who inspires confidence, ensuring that every student is supported on their individual path to success.

Should I be given the opportunity, I will create a dedicated English Language Room, a sanctuary designed to turn the challenge of learning into a journey of confidence, the very heart of the Foundation and of student growth.”

Asking Rozha to describe her sanctuary. “I want to have a colorful room that feels alive for my students so that they will be comfortable and motivated to be there. They have no special space; they live in tents, so this will belong to them, an environment where for a few hours they can come alive and relax, leaving their struggles outside.

I want a special corner for debate and speaking activities. It's important for the students to feel safe when they express their ideas, opinions and just practice. I want a reading area with relevant books, stories and poetry. Our books are now old and well-read, and we need to renew our supply and make the books relevant to our students. I hope that my dream will come true.”

I asked Rozha to write something about her journey. What she does not know is that I asked Prof. Saeed to ditch his position as our CEO and to speak to us about her as her father.

A Letter to My Daughter:

"My beloved daughter Rosa,

When I chose your name on that day in 2001, it was not just a name, it was the beginning of a story, the beginning of a life that entered my life. On that day, I felt that my sun had risen and that my path towards an academic career had begun to take shape. I was accepted into postgraduate studies at the University of Duhok. You were that light, that hope that accompanied me every step of my way.

You grew up, Rosa, and as you grew, so did my pride in you. Since your childhood, you have been strong in a way that reflects nothing but your beautiful heart. You faced pain with a smile and challenged difficulties with a determination that only the strongest possess. Despite all the surgeries and hardships you went through, you never broke, you only became stronger in spirit and in will.

You have always been special, in your love for drawing, in your passion for languages, in your big heart that loves children and embraces them with kindness. As I watched you, I realised that God has placed something truly great within you.

And today, you stand on the threshold of your graduation in 2026, I feel that the light that began on the day of your naming has become a full sun illuminating our lives. The road was not easy, but you made it beautiful with your perseverance and patience.

My daughter, I am not only proud of your success, I am proud of you, your heart, your strength and your spirit. You are my most beautiful story and the greatest achievement of my life.”

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Dear friends, we would love to rework the computer room and to turn it into Rozha’s Sanctuary as a graduation gift to her and a special blessing to our rescued students in particular.

Thank you.