LocationsYouth learning barber skills.
When young people are active and engaged in their communities, the result is a peaceful and strong social fabric. In November, UNDP Iraq, in partnership with Kurdistan Human Rights Watch, implemented a multi-session programme to train vulnerable Iraqi youth and women in Anbar and Salah al-Din governorates. The training sessions were separated by topic and focused on vocational skills including tailoring, barber skills, painting, computer skills, and English language skills.
Zainab, English Course participant.
“I registered for this course to improve my English. I received a lot of information that made me feel more confident when I speak. I look forward to the benefits from this course and other courses in order to teach my children or find a job.” -Zainab, pictured above, a participant in the English course.
A total of 369 participants in Anbar and 129 in Salah al-Din took part in training sessions, running from 8 November to 25 November. Over fifty percent of participants were women, as a key focus of the sessions was empowering women from local communities, as well as youth. Iraq is considered one of the most youthful countries in the world with nearly half of its population less than 21 years old. UNDP Iraq’s Social Cohesion Programme enables an environment for peace and social cohesion, including provision of economic reintegration opportunities for Iraq’s large youth population. Ensuring equal opportunity for access to income-generating activities and bringing different segments of the community together is vital in achieving social cohesion.
Dina, Seamstress Course participant.
“My ambition was always to be a seamstress. I registered through an electronic form, and after a while, my acceptance in this course appeared. This workshop is teaching me about designing and sewing clothes and upholstery, which are my passions. After this course I will work in a sewing workshop.” -Dina, pictured above, a participant in the seamstress course.
Women participating in seamstress class.
This programme was made possible thanks to generous support from the Government of Germany within support for stabilization and social cohesion in Iraq.
