STEP UK

06/04/2026

It’s spring, and an art activity under the sunshine is the best thing to do! Hurray!

Our Arbat Refugee Camp project staff organized an art activity for Syrian refugee children. It was great to share these lovely moments with them and see how happy they were to participate in this activity!

31/03/2026

There's a special kind of magic in seeing a child's face light up with genuine happiness, a simple reminder of the power of creativity and the beauty of small joys. Witnessing the delight in creating a yellow sun on a blue sky reminds us of the profound happiness that can be found in the everyday. Our mission at STEP is to foster these moments of wonder and gratitude, empowering children to reach their full potential.

10/03/2026

We are sharing some other activities that took place in our project at the Arbat Refugee Camp in honor of International Women’s Day.

On this day, at our Little Friendly Space, the children made flowers for their moms! Zhyan* made two flowers to take home to her mother, saying 'thank you' for International Women’s Day.

Theoughout the activity, the children were encouraged to think of all the things their mothers do for them each day as they made their flowers.

*Name has been changed for privacy.

08/03/2026

In honor of International Women’s Day, the women from our sewing and knitting section at our Arbat Syrian Refugee Camp project prepared a beautiful and inspiring surprise for our team.

They gifted every woman in our project a hand-knitted belt, a traditional piece typically worn with woman's Kurdish dress, and it is crafted in the vibrant colors of the Kurdistan flag. This gesture reminds us of the talent and resilience found within our community.

Women shape communities, drive schools, and lead workplaces everywhere in the world. Today and every day, we celebrate them! STEP UK remains deeply committed to supporting and empowering women across all our projects.

Happy International Women’s Day to women everywhere!

23/02/2026

Little hands, big imagination. Building patience and focus, one intentional step at a time.🌱

19/02/2026

29/01/2026

The face of pure joy! 🌟

Creativity has no limits in our Child-Friendly Space. Whether it’s playdough or painting, we’re providing the tools for children in Northern Iraq to express themselves and find happiness in the everyday.

22/01/2026

At STEP UK, we believe in giving young people the tools to reach new heights. 🧗‍♂️ These teenagers in Northern Iraq are training hard, learning teamwork, and preparing to conquer their local mountains. It’s about more than just climbing; it’s about building confidence and resilience for the future.

20/01/2026

We aren't just teaching girls how to count; we're teaching them that they count.

Behind every equation is a dream. For these refugee teenagers, especially the girls, learning math is more than just passing a test, it's building the confidence to choose their own future.

Our curriculum helps students recover lost years of education by turning academic struggle into measurable progress. Solving problems on the whiteboard is practical training for the life challenges they will tackle next.

Help us continue to multiply their opportunities.

15/01/2026

Education can transform lives, and for a child, education often begins with play.

In the wake of conflict and displacement, play is not just a pastime, it is a vital tool for healing and development. For children in Iraq who have faced years of instability and lost learning, the simple act of building with blocks or sharing a game is a critical step toward reclaiming their childhood and their future.

At STEP UK, we believe that a safe space to play is a safe space to learn. Our educational programs integrate play and creativity to help children process trauma and catch up on missed milestones. Our work continues every day through:

•Extra homework support classes that make learning engaging and accessible.

•Sorani Kurdish lessons for children and parents, bridging the gap to local education.

•Direct intervention for those who have dropped out, bringing them back into a supportive learning environment.

•Our community library, which provides books, toys, and educational games that children can borrow to bring the joy of learning into their homes.

By supporting "Learning through Play," we are not just teaching lessons; we are building resilience, fostering creativity, and providing a shield against exploitation. Thank you for helping us ensure that every child has the chance to play, learn, and grow.