Our Tribe in Toowoomba

Springs of Hope
13 hours ago
9 min read

Over the past two years quite a few of our “Kids” were able to immigrate, most to Australia, but also Canada and Germany. It was hard to see them go, hard to swallow that our Shingali kids would form the basis of a Yezidi Diaspora scattered to the ends of the earth.

Neither Dr Saeed nor I were in favour of emigration, we both believed in raising up a strong generation in Iraq but as realists we knew that these kids would not be able to return to Shingal and live next door to neighbours who had betrayed them, and life in camps was not a solution. We also were very aware of their depth of trauma, their sense of betrayal by those who should have protected them. There would be no going back. The aunts and uncles who would accompany them were not excited, they knew that they would not fit in but were making the move for the sake of the children ( our students ) to give them a future.

We worked hard to prepare them for their new world and the massive transition that they would face. I remember a discussion with some of our young men, where they stated facts, their life began in Shingal, they had to start again and make themselves adapt to the world of the Caliphate once taken by force, then again upon release and placement in one of the local refugee camps. One of them, Alo, said in pain “how many times will I begin my life from zero”. He along with others are now in Toowoomba, Australia.

We are grateful to be able to keep up with them. Musa in particular remains in close contact. This week he reached out to several to get a basic picture of their life in Australia and the role that Springs of Hope played.

Rahaf

“I am Rahaf and I am 15. I found my way to Springs of Hope upon my release from ISIS. Some of the girls who were with me in captivity were there, and we are again together here in Australia.

I was broken and alone, Springs of Hope accepted me as I was and gave me a home. They raised me and gave me advice for life which has helped me adjust to a totally different culture and lifestyle. They both nurtured and educated me. I have leaned on everything that I learned since coming here. "

Rahaf

Rambziya

"I came to Toowoomba almost two years ago. My life is made up of chapters. Normal family life in Shingal. Captivity. Moving from camp to camp. Now it’s in Australia.

Springs of Hope prepared me for this, more than I knew at the time. The English that I learned and also the computer courses were so important as all of my studies are on a computer in English.

They also prepared me for life, teaching me to recognise right and wrong, how a young girl should behave, what to wear, what to look for in friends, many things that are now valuable as I learn to build a new life.

I am very grateful for all the support I received from Springs of Hope, I hope that the foundation continues its work as it truly helps the community. "

Ramziya

Hadiya

Hadiya came to us broken. She was rescued "just in time". She had been prepped and trained for her ninth birthday and all that would happen on that day. Whereas our other girls could safely hug some of our male staff, seeing them as big brothers, we could not allow that with Hadiya.

She was like a wild animal that would suddenly ram herself into us, charge and hit. Yet in her was something very special, that had obviously been recognised, hence the attempts to train her.

As she healed we found the most intelligent, vivacious girl, with the ability to learn fast and to get ahead of others. Gentle yet strong she leaned heavily towards the creative arts.

"Hey, I am Hadiya and when I lived in Iraq with you, you helped us with everything. You taught us English. You taught me how to make friends, how to take responsibility, how to be disciplined in studying. I appreciate all you did for me, thank you so much.

You helped me to get ahead, you supported me every month with finance which was a big deal for me and my family as we had nothing.

I know that I will make a good and happy life in Australia. I am becoming an actress and people already know me. I will be famous. I will never forget you."

Hadiya

Chinar

"I had the privilege of meeting many of the Yazidi survivor children at the Hope Centre in Shariya, including my own nieces and nephews. When I first brought them there, they were still carrying the heavy trauma of their past, having been brainwashed and deeply affected by the brutality of ISIS. At the centre, they were welcomed into a safe space where they could begin to heal through recreational activities, education, and community support

Today, seeing those same children in Australia is a powerful reminder of resilience and hope. In their new lives, they have found opportunities for learning, belonging, and growth. They are rebuilding their futures with courage, and while the scars of the past remain, their determination to live freely and with dignity is inspiring to us all. Thank you Springs of Hope for being there at the most crucial time in their lives and for helping them on their path of healing and moving forward."

Hassan. Uncle of Chinar

Sahira

"I began my journey with SOHF at the age of 17 after I was released from captivity and I was with them for more than three years. I can divide those years into parts, the first part being my missing family. Eleven years have passed and not a day goes by without waiting for them, hoping for them, looking for them. It’s a recurring topic. I never get tired of it.

Part two is my life with Springs of Hope. They were family, it was the place where I was safe and psychologically comfortable. They showed me the sweet side of life, and educated me.

Part three is life here in Australia. I am using everything, every tool I gained from SOHF to live here. I am in constant pain, the pain did not go away by leaving Iraq. Wherever I go my pain goes with me.

It was so hard to leave Springs of Hope, I was attached to my teachers, particularly to Ms. Kajen. Iraq and Australia are not the same. I went to the Hope Centre three days a week, in Australia school is every day.

My first day at school was so hard, I had a flashback to Springs of Hope, to my first day at the Hope Centre. I cried and cried with longing for the Hope Centre. I wished I could return. I felt as if my mother had abandoned me.

As time passed I realised that I had to find a cure for my homesickness for the Hope Centre, so I began to learn to drive. I am forced to study here, so between those times of being forced, I want to go to places and just forget everything.

Australia is not like the Hope Centre where everyone understood us, and if we were having a bad day and did not want to study computers we would make popcorn and watch a movie, or we would all go out to change our weather. That does not happen here.

The Hope Centre lives in my head, I see it everywhere I look, I look for it in every place I see. We were not students, we were family. I can never forget my family.I will look for my biological family every day of my life. I will look for you also. I am homesick for both."

Sahira

Hina

"My name is Hina, and I am 25. After our release from captivity we lived in a tent and then in a rented house in a small village outside Duhok. So The Hope Centre became our home, as we had nothing permanent and you guys were always there, the door always open. You treated us as family and had a huge and lasting impact on our lives. Everything we know, we learned from you.

I am living in peace in Australia. They respect our dignity. I also got married and am learning photography but I never cease to think of Iraq and of our time with you. The Hope Centre is part of our daily conversation. Not a day goes by without us looking back, talking, pulling up photos.

Soon I will come back for a visit, and the first place will be The Hope Centre. I will continue to attend whilst in Iraq. You are family and we will always be connected."

Hina

Bahar is the mother of three children

"You are the ones who did everything for us. You opened your doors to us and allowed us to be a part of your family. As we had no home, just a piece of fabric for a tent, you were home for us and all the survivors.

You gave me hope when you built me a block house. I was happy and safe.

The Sewing Room was my happy place. It helped me to get out of the house, to stop thinking and meet new people.

My children were happy, you took care of all their needs and educated them well. Unfortunately everything changed when we left Shariya for this other country. I am totally uncomfortable in this foreign country. I spend all my day in this house just crying. Every day I think of the Hope Centre and the sewing room, that is where I want to be.

We don't have friends here , we don't know or understand their language. Their culture is different from ours and we do not connect with their culture. No one even asks about us. They give us a little money which is not enough for our basic things.

I want to come back but I have dedicated my life to my children. They are safe here. I don't know about their education or future but they are safe. Me, I have no choice. This foreign country is not the Hope Centre."

Bahar

Alo

"I’m Alo. I was with Springs of Hope for five years. You grounded me and my friends, you gave us the foundations for life. You taught us and mentored us with understanding and respect. We had great days in the Hope Centre, wonderful and beautiful memories which we talk about all the time. I am here with Salah and Haitham, we meet in parks and go to beautiful places yet Springs of Hope comes into every conversation. You launched us into life, you taught us to believe again and never give up.

Thank you"

Alo

Wadha - Joy

Each one of our Kids has his, her own story. Each story is powerful. I remember one picnic with Wadha when towards the end she came up to me and said "I don't want to be called Wadha any more, I connect that name with ISIS, will you give me a new name." I remember the weight of that moment, the honor and responsibility. I asked her to give me a few minutes. I walked away in silence. Joy. Her name should be Joy.

We explained the meaning of Joy to her, I asked her if she was willing to accept that name. She was. We called the group to silence and announced her new name. Everyone clapped and applauded her. She was Joy.

"I live in Germany now, I want to thank you for protecting me from myself, protecting me from making mistakes and from wrong actions.

It's true that I am in Germany but my mind is always with you and the Hope Centre. My friends and I talk about you all the time, we recall what we did, we argue about how things were, you are always close to us, always part of us even if we are not together.

You gave me the hope that I needed, you were patient with me, encouraging me out of my brokenness and negativity. You held my hand and gave me the strength and confidence that I needed. I was physically and emotionally destroyed, you set me on the right path.

Sometimes I ask myself where would I have been without Springs of Hope, my life would have gone a different direction and it would not have been good. You protected me. Because of you I can live with dignity in Germany.

Thank you for showing me the right way."

Wadha Joy