A Beacon of Support: BCF’s Aid Lights the Way for Afrin’s University Students
This initiative is part of the foundation’s broader mission to support youth in conflict-affected areas, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their education.
Feb. 2, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) reaffirms its commitment to education and humanitarian relief in Afrin, northern Syria (Rojava), through extending financial assistance to 130 university students.
In an official statement, on Friday, the BCF announced that on Jan. 29, 2025, its Afrin office distributed financial aid to male and female students pursuing higher education in Azaz, north of Aleppo, Syria. This initiative is part of the foundation’s broader mission to support youth in conflict-affected areas, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their education.
A Legacy of Humanitarian Relief in Afrin
BCF, a non-governmental humanitarian organization based in the Kurdistan Region, has long been at the forefront of aiding refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), orphans, and individuals with special needs.
Its presence in Afrin was solidified following the devastating earthquake on Feb. 6, 2023, which caused widespread destruction across Rojava. BCF was the first relief organization to enter the region in the aftermath of the disaster, providing emergency aid and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of affected communities.
Recognizing the challenges facing Afrin’s residents, BCF officially established its Afrin office in February 2023. Since then, it has worked tirelessly to provide sustained aid, medical assistance, and educational support, ensuring long-term stability for those impacted by conflict and displacement.
Upon its arrival, BCF was met with a heartfelt reception from the local Kurdish population, who raised Kurdistan flags and banners expressing gratitude to President Masoud Barzani and BCF for their continuous support.
Expanding Humanitarian Efforts in 2024
Throughout the first six months of 2024, BCF has significantly expanded its aid operations in Afrin, strengthening healthcare, education, and relief programs.
According to Rawaj Haji, head of the Afrin relief file at BCF, the foundation’s mobile clinic has visited 110 villages, providing medical care to 4,620 patients. Additionally, 695 returning families have received food and non-food assistance, while 805 families (4,988 individuals) have benefited from various forms of humanitarian aid.
Beyond immediate relief efforts, BCF continues to invest in educational and cultural programs to empower the local population.
The Barzani Center for Culture and Development, established on Jan. 7, 2023, has launched English and Kurdish language courses, as well as vocational and academic training programs aimed at enhancing professional skills.