The Kaziwas started as activity centres for working children. Locally people know them only by their Kurdish name 'Kaziwa', which means dawn in Kurdish – and that’s exactly what they are to some of the children – the break of a new day.  These drop-in centres cater for children less fortunate and bereft of a normal childhood.

Here they get a chance to spend time together with friends, to play and join in with various creative activities. The centres stay open all day, five days a week, and anyone who wants to join the activities is welcome. The general age group is between 6 and 15 years.    The centres lay on a great many activities and KSC has provided computers, art materials, sculpture and modelling equipment, library books, rooms for chess and music classes, table-tennis and snooker, electronic games and video.  In addition every centre has a stage for concerts and theatrical performances. The staff are well trained and experienced in working with children.The Kaziwas have been extremely successful and everyday a great number of children attend their activities.   The first Kaziwa opened in Sulaimaniya in 1997 and seven more were later opened up in various Kurdish towns across Iraqi Kurdistan.  A second Kaziwa opened in Sulaimaniya, and one each in the towns of Kirkuk, Halabja, Kirkuk, Qaladiza, Raniya, Bazian and Chwarta. The main objectives of the centres are to provide a place for the children to interact, they also provide free access to educational, cultural and recreational courses and equipment, and help children to discover and develop their talents and skills. If the children are dropouts, they are encouraged and helped to return to school and directed towards a better future.