The first quarter of 2026 was defined by a stark contrast between regional volatility and local constancy. As escalating tensions and security concerns necessitated the temporary relocation of our core team and the pausing of select programmes, the commitment to the camp remained fixed. In a period marked by drone and rocket attacks, our role transitioned from service delivery to becoming a symbol of continuity. Stability in this context means the presence of reliable support when external circumstances are at their most fractured.
Impact at a Glance
Despite the operational challenges presented in February and March, the scale of support remained significant:
- Medical Outreach: 1,800+ patient consultations delivered.
- Agricultural Output: 1,200 kg (1.2 tons) of broad beans harvested.
- Education & Graduation: 20 women graduated from the R.I.S.E. UP programme; 50 youth completed the Pathfinders leadership course.
- Facility Expansion: Official opening of the ZOE Creative Space in Erbil to support social enterprise.
Core Pillars of Progress
- Physical Health and Stability: The clinic remained the only medical facility in the region to stay open seven days a week throughout the quarter. This consistency proved vital as regional insecurity made travel to alternative medical centres increasingly hazardous for displaced families.
- Youth Development and Future Skills: Before the security-mandated pause in late February, the Pathfinders programme successfully transitioned 50 youth through their leadership graduation. These young leaders took active roles in community service, demonstrating that the investment in their character remains resilient even when formal classes are interrupted.
- Dignity and Women’s Empowerment: The graduation of the first R.I.S.E. UP cohort represents a move from vocational training to economic participation. The inauguration of the ZOE Creative Space provides these women with a professional environment to refine their crafts and prepare for market entry.
- Sustainable Agriculture: The agricultural initiative achieved its most successful yield to date with the harvest of 1.2 tons of broad beans. This production provides a dual benefit: immediate nutritional support for camp residents and a surplus that serves as the pilot for our upcoming income-generation model.
The Integrated Impact Model
Our model has evolved this quarter to emphasise Adaptation and Resilience. We have demonstrated that while certain ‘Growth’ and ‘Dignity’ programmes may require temporary pauses for safety, the ‘Survival’ and ‘Stability’ pillars—specifically healthcare and food production—must remain immovable. This tiered approach ensures that the foundation of our work is never compromised by the shifting security landscape.
Financial Stewardship
Resources for Q1 2026 were prioritised toward frontline services to ensure continuity of care during the period of instability:
- Primary Health Care: 83% (Reflecting increased operational costs and the essential nature of the clinic).
- Agriculture & Livelihoods: 10% (Focused on the fava bean harvest and soil preparation).
- R.I.S.E. UP: 4% (Completion of the first cohort training).
- Youth Education: 3% (Pathfinders graduation and initial robotics sessions).
Q2 Vision: Recovery and Growth
As the team regathers, the focus for the second quarter is on reclaiming momentum:
- Programme Resumption: Restarting Pathfinders, Robotics, and English classes following updated security assessments.
- Market Access: Launching the second R.I.S.E. UP cohort with a specific focus on establishing sales pathways for the products created by our graduates.
- Mobile Outreach: Progressing the planning phase for the mobile clinic network to extend our reach to rural communities that remain isolated from primary healthcare.
- Economic Cycle: Initiating the first sales cycle for agricultural products to move the farm toward a self-sustaining financial model.
