Dear OMID Family
As we welcome the arrival of Norooz, we embrace the spirit of renewal, growth, and hope. This ancient celebration of spring is a reminder that, even after the harshest winters, life blossoms anew. At OMID, we see this same transformation in the young women we serve—survivors of unimaginable challenges who find strength, healing, and a fresh start through our programs.
This Norooz, we invite you to join us in celebrating not only the new year but also the blossoming potential of our girls and young women.
As we close out this transformative year and look forward to new beginnings, we take a moment to reflect on our journey. Last year, we celebrated remarkable achievements—from the impactful work of our programs to the outstanding exposure gained after the BBC released the FINDING HOPE documentary in February 2025. This film powerfully demonstrates the effectiveness of OMID’s approach. If you haven’t seen it yet, please [click here] to watch this inspiring film and see firsthand the change we’re creating.
We are proud to announce the launch of our year-long Acting Academy—a structured program that goes beyond traditional empowerment. At OMID, we believe in using acting as a therapeutic tool that helps traumatized young women come to terms with their past and become more effective in pursuing their dreams. Rooted in a trauma-informed approach, the Academy prioritizes creativity as a tool for self-expression, confidence-building, and resilience. Our experience shows that this and other forms of art therapy can sometimes be more effective healing tools than conventional approaches.
Over the course of the year, participants will progress from foundational skills—mastering voice control, physicality, and script interpretation—to advanced techniques such as on-camera performance and genre-specific acting styles. The program culminates in a ten-week film project where students rehearse, perform, and produce an original short film that reflects their personal journeys of healing.
Performance art is more than entertainment; it is a powerful medium for personal growth. Participants learn to channel their lived experiences into creative storytelling, developing confidence and communication skills that extend far beyond the stage. The Acting Academy creates a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking, collaboration, and artistic exploration—equipping graduates with both a professional showreel and renewed self-assurance.
Raha came to OMID burdened by trauma and a lack of confidence. Through our drama program, she discovered a safe space to explore her emotions and begin healing. Acting became not only a means of self-expression but also a therapeutic process that helped her come to terms with her past. Our experience has shown that this approach, along with other art therapies, can sometimes surpass more traditional methods in fostering trauma recovery. Today, Raha has secured a job as a remote personal assistant. She attributes her success to the power of storytelling, oratory skills, creative problem-solving, and restored self-belief she gained through our program.
Raha’s story is a testament to the life changing impact of our work, made possible through your generous support.
We celebrate the transformative power of performance and the opportunities it creates for expression, growth, and community.
This Norooz, helps us write more success stories like Raha’s. Your donation directly supports both the trauma recovery and professional training of our participants. Contributions to the Acting Academy Fund, big or small, will provide essential resources that empower our girls to find their voices and share their stories with the world. A contribution of $100 provides one girl with the complete support she needs—from trauma therapy to acting training to art therapy, our goal is to impact 100 girls.
Every donation fuels life-changing education, empowerment, and healing for the courageous girls of Iran and Afghanistan. Donate today to ignite futures built on change—offering not just education, but healing; not just training, but unshakable hope.
With Gratitude,
The OMID Team
