Harnessing Technology for Good: The Idris Foundation’s Innovation
Imad Yassin’s approach to humanitarian work is anything but conventional. As the Founder and Chairman of the Idris Foundation—and my beloved cousin—Imad has drawn on his extensive background in life sciences and technology to bring innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges faced by refugee communities. His journey is a compelling blend of professional expertise and personal dedication, creating an organization that not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term development.
Imad and I have collaborated on many projects together, bringing awareness to the Idris Foundation’s mission and achievements. Our shared commitment to these causes has only strengthened over time. In our recent conversation, Imad shared insights into how the Idris Foundation has evolved under his leadership and how it continues to leverage innovation to make a significant impact.
Harnessing Technology for Good
Imad’s journey into humanitarian work began with a strong focus on health and technology. “Working in the technology sector for 23 years, along with my executive program at Singularity University, has profoundly shaped how the Idris Foundation operates today,” he explains. Singularity University taught him that technological innovation could address humanity’s most pressing challenges, inspiring him to channel efforts into health and education.
“My primary contribution has been in the health domain, while my siblings Suzie, Suha, and Sahar drive our educational initiatives,” Imad elaborates. Despite their initial lack of experience and infrastructure, Imad’s background in the startup world enabled the organization to develop an agile model, leveraging existing resources to address health and educational challenges within refugee camps. The foundation has also formed partnerships with organizations like Ethar Relief, which have been instrumental in executing projects on the ground.
Empowerment through Education
Education, especially for girls, has always been a cornerstone of the Idris Foundation’s mission. “We come from a proud lineage of female educators,” Imad shares. The flagship project is a boarding school for high-achieving girls in refugee camps, providing not only education but also nourishment and a safe place to sleep.
Imad Photographed Alongside Two Students From The Refugee Camp
This initiative has been transformative, with two generations of university graduates emerging from it. The foundation also established the first center dedicated to empowering women through crafts and projects, allowing them to sell their products and reinvest a portion of the profits back into the center, fostering independence and success.
Craft Produced At The Center For Crafts & Projects Established By Idris Foundation
The introduction of digital classrooms and tablets has been another significant milestone. “Many students had never seen a computer and could only study the theory of technology. We funded the acquisition of computers, enabling students to participate fully in the technological revolution,” Imad explains.
Balancing Immediate Needs and Long-term Goals
Idris Foundation’s Ramadan Food Distribution At The Camp
Balancing immediate humanitarian needs with long-term development goals is challenging. Imad recalls an ambitious project where a Silicon Valley startup donated drones to deliver vital medications to refugee camps. “However, we quickly realized that refugee camps are heavily surveilled, making flying objects unviable,” he notes.
Undeterred, the team invested in better ambulances and began improving the quality of roads within the camps. “Our passion and commitment to improving lives in refugee camps remain strong,” Imad says. Despite setbacks, the organization continues to innovate and adapt, driven by the belief that every step forward brings them closer to their goal. The foundation has even explored advanced solutions like dispensing machines that use fingerprint recognition to provide medication on demand.
Sustainable Impact
One of the key sustainable initiatives is establishing centers run entirely by women, primarily widows and single mothers. These centers provide a space for women to learn various crafts, produce goods, and sell their products, with a portion of profits reinvested to ensure sustainability. This initiative has not only been successful but has also been incredibly rewarding, with many women gaining independence and success.
Global Partnerships and Collaborations
The Idris Foundation’s success is also a result of the power of collaboration. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the incredible generosity of people willing to collaborate with us,” Imad acknowledges. The organization has garnered support from various publications and entities, including Vogue Arabia, GQ, The Qode, The Moroccans, Nisria, Refucare, Happiness Hub, Nafas, Ana Sharqi, Sucosessions, Monte Carlo Radio, Qatar Foundation, and Efro & Co.
The foundation’s efforts are further enriched by the contributions of talented individuals such as Abdallah Alawadi, Ameera Bahbahani, Nabil Younis, Scott Drummond, Sebastien Gomez, Ben Safra, Shahroo Izadi, Jeff Darko, Lorena Dia, Ghena Hariri, Sara Shamsavari, Rachelle Fisher, Amar Alamdar, Hatem Alakeel, Bruno Gabriel, Remy Blumenfeld, Emily Kirjas, Tahzeeb Ahmed, Isabella Odoffin Casting, Nada Debs, and Nabil Alnoor.
Personal Journey and Leadership
Reflecting on his journey, Imad shares how his father’s legacy and his experiences have shaped his leadership. “When my father passed away, I discovered he had secretly helped build an orphanage in Sudan. This revelation sparked a journey to visit these children, transforming my life and purpose,” he recounts.
His professional work in technology complements his humanitarian efforts, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment. “Each morning, I wake up knowing that my efforts can save lives,” Imad says.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Imad’s vision for the Idris Foundation is both ambitious and inspiring. “If you had asked me this about this a year ago, I would have answered with certainty and hope. But now, with the war ravaging Sudan, my heart is heavy with fear and sadness for the future of our work,” he admits.
One of the most exhilarating yet daunting updates Imad has to share is rooted in the profound success of his 2019 short documentary, “Idris 4 Hope.” This project was more than just a film; it was a symbol of resilience and optimism. Now, the Idris Foundation is embarking on an even more ambitious journey—creating a full-feature documentary that explores the heart-wrenching reality of human displacement.
Imad At Work On The Ground
“This endeavor has tested us in ways we never anticipated. The stories we’ve uncovered are both heartbreaking and inspiring, revealing the raw humanity of those forced to flee their homes. Despite the challenges, our hope is that this documentary will touch hearts and open minds, fostering a world that embraces refugees with compassion and understanding,” Imad explains.
He believes that through storytelling, the Idris Foundation can illuminate the strength and courage of displaced individuals, ultimately making the world a kinder, more empathetic place for all.
Despite these challenges, Imad remains determined. “Our mission to help as many people as possible remains strong, even if it means moving to other regions where refugee children need us. We cannot, and will not, stop our efforts,” he asserts.
As his cousin and collaborator, I have seen firsthand the impact of Imad’s work and the dedication of everyone at the Idris Foundation. Their relentless pursuit of innovative solutions and unyielding commitment to improving lives is truly inspiring. I am proud to support him and the entire team as they continue to transform the lives of refugee communities. The future may be uncertain, but with leaders like Imad at the helm, I am confident that the Idris Foundation will continue to make a profound difference in the world.
