For many students at the Catholic University in Erbil (CUE), childhood was marked by sorrow, fleeing, and fear. But through the compassion of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), those heartbreaking stories are being rewritten. ACN scholarships have given students like Yohanna Yaqub Alzebari not just a chance to study, but a reason to believe again – a place to grow, to give back, and to finally say, “This is where I belong.”

On September 30, 2025, CUE celebrated the graduation of 114 students, a momentous occasion graced by church leaders, diplomats, families and friends. Among the graduates was Yohanna Yaqub Alzebari, whose stirring speech captured the heart of what ACN’s mission truly means: restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and helping young people find their way home.

A Scholarship That Changed Everything

Yohanna’s story is one of heartbreak and perseverance. From fleeing violence and losing loved ones to watching his father lose the ability to speak, read, and write, Yohanna’s journey was marked by repeated uprooting and uncertainty. “Every time I lost a home,” he said, “I found a new version of myself.”

But it was the ACN scholarship that became a turning point. “ I got awarded a scholarship from Aid to the Church in Need to study in the Catholic University,” Yohanna shared. “Things were starting to look up, finally.”

That scholarship didn’t just fund his education, it gave him a community, a purpose, and a place to belong. Today, Yohanna not only holds a degree but also works at the university, giving back to the institution that welcomed him when he needed it most.

Students of the Catholic University in Erbil (CUE)

ACN’s Mission: Planting Seeds of Hope

The Pope Francis Scholarship, launched by ACN, has been awarded to students like Yohanna since 2022. Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda, chairman of CUE’s board of trustees, emphasized that the university was founded “to be a living presence, an effective mission, and a genuine testimony.” He called education “the greatest service we can offer, because it forms new generations that carry hope and renew life”.

ACN’s support has enabled hundreds of students from Iraq’s diverse communities – Christian, Muslim, Yazidi, to pursue higher education in a space rooted in dialogue, peace, and shared humanity. These scholarships are more than financial aid; they are lifelines for young people who have survived war, displacement, and trauma.

 

We Are the People Who Beat All the Odds

Yohanna’s words echo the spirit of every ACN scholar: “We are the people who beat all the odds, and I am here standing before my family and friends as a testament to that.” His speech wasn’t just a personal reflection, it was a collective anthem for a generation that has walked through fire and emerged stronger.

He reminded the audience that “the way forward is rarely straight,” and that finding home is not about geography but about belonging, purpose, and hope. “No matter how many times the road disappears,” he said, “we can always find a new one and go forward.”

A Future Built on Faith and Formation

As CUE prepares to welcome new students for the 2025–2026 academic year, nearly 1,000 students are already enrolled in programs recognized both locally and internationally. With ACN’s continued support, the university is not just educating minds, but also healing hearts and shaping leaders for Iraq’s future.

In the words of Yohanna, “I want to thank the Catholic University in Erbil, and thank ACN, and thank everyone who helped us find our way home.”