This August, Panaga celebrated a very special day with Khunaf and her family—the anniversary of the day Khunaf was rescued from ISIS captivity. Khunaf was only a newborn when she was taken into captivity with her family. She spent much of her early childhood in captivity before being rescued and reunited with her mother and family. Her journey since then has been one of adaptation, healing, education and discovering who she is beyond the experiences of her childhood. Panaga first began working with Khunaf and her family in August 2024. Through regular psychological support, family guidance and follow-up visits, psychologist Barzani and the Panaga team have accompanied her through different stages of her recovery.

At the beginning, Khunaf was shy and found it difficult to communicate and adapt to her new environment. Over time, she became more confident, more connected with her family and community, and increasingly comfortable expressing herself. She learned Kurdish, returned to school, and gradually began showing more of her personality—including her strong character and beautiful smile.

Her family has also played an important role in her recovery. Panaga has worked with her mother and relatives to help them understand Khunaf’s needs, support her without making her feel different, and create a safe and positive family environment.

Today, Khunaf is doing well academically and personally. She successfully completed her school year, continues to grow and learn, and is surrounded by a family that stands beside her.

And Khunaf is beginning to dream about her future.

“When I grow up, I want to become a dentist.”

For a child whose early years were taken away by violence and captivity, having the freedom to imagine a profession, pursue an education, and dream about the future is deeply meaningful. Her dream is a reminder that healing is not only about overcoming the past—it is also about creating space for children to imagine what their future can become.

For Khunaf and her family, 12 August is more than a date. It is a reminder that her life did not end with what happened to her — it continued.

This year, Panaga visited Khunaf’s home to celebrate her Freedom Day with her family. There was a cake, a family celebration, and a special family photograph as a reminder of how far she has come.

From captivity to a classroom.
From silence to a voice.
From survival to a dream.
From survival to hope.

Panaga is proud to continue walking alongside Khunaf and her family—supporting her not only to heal from the past but also to build the future she deserves.