Since 2017, Across the Nations has been working with STEP (UK) to develop an adventure therapy programme for refugees and Internally Displaced People in the Kurdish Region of Iraq. We have named the programme - Çîyako. It is a Kurdish word roughly translated as ‘Oh Mountain’ and is very meaningful for Syrian Kurds, with the mountain being a source of hope and a place to verbalise frustration or despair.

The program has taken over 800 young people rock climbing and trekking in the mountains and has had a hugely beneficial impact on the well-being and mental health of those who have participated. Follow the link to see a short video that records the thoughts and experiences of one of our apprentices:

Please support us by giving a one-off gift or regular monthly donations. Anything you give will go directly to helping run this programme. A £25 gift will pay for one child to go climbing, while regular donations will help our apprentices prepare young people for their day of climbing.