The NextGen Foundation has launched the LeadUp Project, bringing together 16 young people who carry both an extraordinary loss and an extraordinary strength. Each of them lost their father in the fight against ISIS. Today, they are stepping into a program that gives them the chance to discover themselves, grow as leaders, and prepare to shape the future of Kurdistan.

These young people are not only participants, they are symbols of resilience and hope. LeadUp is about giving them the tools to lead and honoring the sacrifices of their fathers.

The program will guide the participants through different stages of growth: learning self-awareness and communication, building teamwork and problem-solving skills, exploring human rights and social justice, and finally turning their ideas into real projects. Along the way, they’ll take part in field trips that connect their lessons to real-world experiences.

LeadUp is more than a leadership program. It’s a journey of healing, growth, and empowerment a reminder that even in the face of loss, there can be courage, vision, and hope for a stronger tomorrow.