In a world where humanity continues to face crises, poverty, displacement, disease, and a wide range of social needs, giving and charitable work remain among the most important expressions of human solidarity. They play a vital role in alleviating suffering and creating hope for those affected by hardship.
September 5 is observed each year as World Charity Day. On December 17, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated the day as World Charity Day, with the aim of raising awareness and encouraging individuals, organizations, and social institutions around the world to participate in charitable and volunteer activities.
The choice of September 5 was not accidental. The date coincides with the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, who passed away on September 5, 1997. She devoted her life to serving the poor, sick, vulnerable, and those in need, becoming one of the world’s most recognized symbols of charity and humanitarian service. In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
World Charity Day is not merely a day of remembrance; it is a call to individuals and institutions to dedicate part of their resources and abilities to serving humanity and society. In this field, the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) has become a prominent example of effective humanitarian action, marking 21 years of service.
21 Years of Service — 21 Years with Humanity
Throughout its 21 years of activities inside and outside the Kurdistan Region, the Barzani Charity Foundation has sought to respond to a significant range of humanitarian and social needs and to extend its services to places where people require support and assistance.
During this period, the Foundation’s work has extended far beyond the distribution of basic aid. Its activities and projects have covered a wide range of areas, including humanitarian services, healthcare, education, vocational training, empowerment, and support for vulnerable families, children, young people, and other communities in need.
From Basic Assistance to Creating Opportunities
During times of crisis and hardship, providing food and essential supplies is among the most immediate needs of vulnerable families.
For this reason, a significant part of the Foundation’s activities has focused on delivering food assistance and essential supplies, particularly to people whose lives have been disrupted by extraordinary circumstances.
Yet serving humanity is not limited to meeting today’s needs; it also means investing in a person’s future. From this perspective, the Foundation’s educational and vocational training courses, language programs, computer and technology training, and empowerment initiatives represent an important part of its humanitarian experience.
The purpose of these initiatives is to ensure that people are not merely recipients of assistance, but are also empowered to rely on their own knowledge and skills, participate in shaping their futures, and build more sustainable livelihoods.
Children and Young People — Investing in the Future
One of the most important dimensions of charitable work is investing in people and in the potential of future generations. In this regard, supporting children and young people—particularly in education, learning, sports, arts, and empowerment—is of special importance.
The Foundation’s assistance and services for Azizan House, which supports orphaned children, and for widows, represent a significant example of its humanitarian work.
By the end of 2025, the total amount of financial assistance distributed through the Azizan House project had reached $82,340,078, benefiting 23,463 individuals. In addition to financial assistance, beneficiaries have received support in areas such as education and healthcare.
At this stage, the Azizan House project relies on the support and sponsorship of companies, business owners, donors, and philanthropists. This represents a powerful example of how collective charitable action can create a lasting impact on people’s lives.
Charity as a Message for the Future
World Charity Day is not only about remembering the past; it is also a message for the future—a message that says a strong society is one in which no one is left alone to face their difficulties.
From this perspective, the Barzani Charity Foundation’s 21-year experience continues to carry the same message: serving humanity without discrimination and according to people’s needs is the foundation of every meaningful charitable action.
Charitable work can change a life.
Twenty-one years of service is not simply a number. It represents 21 years of standing alongside humanity, nurturing hope, and opening doors toward a better future.
On World Charity Day, the message of the Barzani Charity Foundation remains clear:
Charity discovers its true meaning when it becomes action, and action creates value when it makes a person’s life better.
It is in this spirit that the words of Barzani the Immortal have become a guiding principle for the Foundation’s work and activities: “It is an honor for a person to serve his own nation.”
This enduring message continues to serve as an inspiration and a guiding principle for the humanitarian mission of the Barzani Charity Foundation.
