Filmed in the holy city of Najaf, this episode of Roots and Narrative takes us inside the Hikayati Center Joined by Haider Alassam— a groundbreaking, purpose-built educational space redefining support for orphans in Iraq. We sit down with Haidar Lassen, the center’s manager, who shares his powerful personal journey: from growing up in Baghdad, leaving Iraq under political pressure in 1998, rebuilding his life in the UK through years of hard labor, and ultimately returning home after 26 years to create lasting change. Hikayati is more than a rehabilitation center it is a place that builds leaders. Serving orphans aged 7 to 25, the center offers educational guidance, emotional support, medical care, and life-skills training through three carefully designed programs, including intensive residential care for those facing addiction or suicidal ideation. With unique facilities such as Iraq’s only space lab, a science museum, a civilisation route showcasing 100,000 years of Iraqi history, and creative emotional workshops, Hikayati stands as a model of dignity, innovation, and self-sustainability. This episode is a story of return, responsibility, and hope — and a rare look inside one of Iraq’s most impactful humanitarian projects.