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| Project Date | July 2026 (rescheduled due to current geo-political conflict) |
| Project Title | Ankawa Youth Meeting (AYM) 2026 – “Together in Christ, the Church is a Communion of Life” |
| Benefactor | ACN Königstein Germany |
| Beneficiaries | Approximately 750 Christian youth (ages 18–35) from across Iraq and neighboring regions |
| Amount | €65,000.00 |
| Category of Support | Pastoral Care – Youth Ministry |
| Description | The Ankawa Youth Meeting (AYM) 2026, implemented by the Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Erbil, is a four-day pastoral youth program preceded by a five-month preparatory phase conducted at parish level across Iraq. The project was originally scheduled for March 2026; however, due to the prevailing security situation and ongoing war-related developments, the implementation was rescheduled to July 2026 to ensure the safety of participants and the effective delivery of all planned activities. The program was carried out with the financial support of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) under the approved project framework. The initiative brought together approximately 750 young Christians (ages 18–35) from various dioceses in Iraq, with participation from underserved regions and selected neighboring communities. The program included structured catechetical sessions, liturgical celebrations, spiritual direction, the Sacrament of Confession, group discussions, and community-building activities, all centered on the theme “Together in Christ, the Church is a Communion of Life.” The preparatory phase ensured sustained engagement through small group accompaniment led by priests and religious. The project achieved its primary objectives of strengthening Christian identity, promoting vocational discernment, and fostering unity among participants. Feedback from participants and clergy confirmed a significant positive impact on spiritual growth, sense of belonging, and commitment to Church life, particularly in a context marked by socio-economic hardship, displacement, and ongoing emigration pressures. |
| Closing Date | 13 Oct 2026 |
| Project Date | July 2026 |
| Project Title | Extension of Mar Qardakh International School (MQIS) Ankawa, Erbil |
| Benefactor | ACN Königstein Germany |
| Beneficiaries | Current and future students, families, teachers, catechists, and the wider Catholic community served by Mar Qardakh International School |
| Amount | EUR 240,000.00 (ACN Grant) |
| Category of Support | Education – Catholic School Infrastructure Expansion; Pastoral Care – Youth Ministry |
| Description | Mar Qardakh International School (MQIS), established by the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil in 2011, is the flagship Catholic school serving the largest Christian community in the Middle East. With an enrollment of more than 600 students and increasing demand from Christian families seeking a high- quality education rooted in Catholic values, the school’s existing facilities have reached full capacity. To address this need, the Archdiocese initiated an extension project consisting of a new two-level structure with four additional classrooms, expanded learning spaces, and supporting facilities, enabling the school to accommodate approximately 100 additional students annually while remaining compliant with Ministry of Education classroom-size regulations. The project strengthens the Church’s mission of forming future Christian leaders through holistic education that integrates academic excellence, faith formation, and community life. Beyond classroom use, the new facilities will support catechetical programs, teacher formation, family faith activities, youth development initiatives, and pastoral programs that reinforce Christian identity and community resilience. Following a reconsideration of the proposal, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) approved a grant of EUR 240,000 toward the project, recognizing the strategic importance of MQIS in sustaining Christian presence and providing affordable Catholic education in Iraq. The extension builds upon the success of previous investments in the school and represents a long-term commitment to strengthening educational opportunities for Christian families in Ankawa and the wider region. |
| Closing Date | September 2026 (target completion date, in preparation for the Academic Year 2026–2027) |
| Project Date | 9–13 September 2026 |
| Project Title | Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Festival 2026 – “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” (Ephesians 4:5) |
| Benefactor | Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Königstein, Germany |
| Beneficiaries | Thousands of Christian faithful, including clergy, youth, families, and volunteers from the Chaldean, Assyrian, Syriac Catholic, and Syriac Orthodox Churches |
| Amount | US$40,000.00 (ACN-approved grant) |
| Category of Support |
Pastoral Care – Ecumenical Unity, Faith Formation and Cultural Celebration |
| Description |
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Festival 2026, held under the theme “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” (Ephesians 4:5), forms part of the Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Erbil’s continuing initiative to strengthen Christian unity and preserve the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Iraq’s ancient Churches. Building upon the success of previous celebrations, the five-day festival was scheduled to bring together the Chaldean Catholic Church, Assyrian Church of the East, Syriac Catholic Church, and Syriac Orthodox Church in a shared expression of faith, fellowship, and Christian witness. The initiative reflects the collective commitment of Church leaders to fostering unity, encouraging inter-Church cooperation, and reaffirming the enduring Christian presence in Iraq. With the generous financial support of ACN, the festival programme was designed to engage thousands of faithful through ecumenical processions, liturgical celebrations, prayers, sacred hymns, cultural performances, traditional activities, sports competitions, and family gatherings. A Joint Youth Committee representing the participating Churches coordinated preparations and encouraged young people to take active roles in volunteering, leadership, and community engagement. Beyond the celebrations, this initiative seeks to deepen Christian identity, strengthen relationships among the Churches, and inspire future generations to remain rooted in their faith and homeland. Through ACN’s continued solidarity, the festival serves as a visible testimony of hope, resilience, and Christian unity amid the challenges facing Iraq’s Christian communities. |
| Closing Date |
| Project Date | Academic Year 2026–2027, the third year of the four-year programme covering AY2024–2025 to AY2027–2028. |
| Project Title | Pope Francis Scholarship Programme 4 (PFS4) – Continuing Scholarships for 45 Students from Outside Erbil, AY2026–2027 |
| Benefactor | ACN Königstein Germany |
| Beneficiaries | 45 continuing scholarship students from outside Erbil studying at the Catholic University in Erbil |
| Amount | Annual scholarship value: USD 128,250 — 45 students × USD 2,850, covering both semesters |
| Category of Support | Catholic Education – Higher Education Scholarships |
| Description | The AY2026–2027 continuation of the Pope Francis Scholarship Programme 4 provides for tuition support for 45 students from outside Erbil at the Catholic University in Erbil. Implemented through the Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Erbil, this annual phase forms part of the four-year programme originally established for 50 scholarship students. The support helps reduce financial barriers to higher education and enables beneficiaries to continue working towards their university qualifications. With an annual scholarship value of USD 128,250, the programme supports academic and professional formation within a Catholic educational environment. It contributes to the Archdiocese’s wider mission of strengthening local communities, preparing young people for service and employment, and sustaining the Christian presence in Iraq. Academic outcomes for AY2026–2027 will be reported following the relevant assessments. |
| Closing Date |
| Project Date | Academic Year 2026–2027, the second academic year of PFS5, following the initial intake in AY2025–2026. |
| Project Title | Pope Francis Scholarship Programme 5 (PFS5) – Continuing Scholarships for 47 Students from Outside Erbil, AY2026–2027 |
| Benefactor | Aid to the Church in Need (ACN International) |
| Beneficiaries | 47 continuing Christian scholarship students from outside Erbil, studying across 12 academic departments at the Catholic University in Erbil |
| Amount | Annual scholarship value: USD 133,950 — 47 students × USD 2,850 |
| Category of Support | Catholic Education – Higher Education Scholarships |
| Description | The AY2026–2027 continuation of the Pope Francis Scholarship Programme 5 provides for tuition support for 47 Christian students from outside Erbil at the Catholic University in Erbil. Implemented through the Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Erbil, this phase continues the educational opportunity initially provided to 50 students in AY2025–2026. The programme helps reduce financial pressure on families and enables young people to pursue qualifications across healthcare, technology, engineering, business, and other disciplines. Building on their first year of university education, the continuing scholars will receive academic guidance and support as they develop professional knowledge, confidence, and responsibility. The programme contributes to the Archdiocese’s mission of preparing young people for employment and service within their communities, strengthening their prospects for a future in Iraq and supporting the sustainability of its Christian presence. Academic outcomes for AY2026–2027 will be reported following the relevant assessments. |
| Closing Date |
| Project Date | Academic Year 2026–2027, the second and final year of the approved extension covering 2025–2027 |
| Project Title | Pope Francis Scholarship Programme 1 (PFS1-21) – Continuing Scholarships for 13 Students, AY2026–2027 |
| Benefactor | ACN Königstein Germany |
| Beneficiaries | 13 continuing Iraqi Christian students: five Architecture Engineering students entering Stage 5 and eight students progressing to Stage 4 |
| Amount | Annual scholarship value: USD 37,050 — 13 students × USD 2,850, within the approved two-year project value of USD 96,900 |
| Category of Support |
Catholic Education – Higher Education Scholarships |
| Description |
The AY2026–2027 continuation of the PFS1-21 project supports the remaining 13 students from the group of 21 extended scholarship beneficiaries at the Catholic University in Erbil. Following the confirmed graduation of eight students in AY2025–2026, five Architecture Engineering students enter their fifth year and eight students progress to the fourth year of their programmes. ACN’s continued assistance is intended to protect their access to education and enable them to complete their remaining degree requirements without tuition costs becoming a barrier. Implemented through the Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Erbil, this final year of support builds on the students’ academic progress and personal formation. By helping young Iraqi Christians attain professional qualifications, the project strengthens their prospects for employment, service, and responsibility within their families and communities. It contributes to the sustainability of the Christian presence in Iraq, with graduation outcomes to be confirmed through the University’s official academic records. |
| Closing Date |