Supporting Youth Success Paths in Kurdistan, Iraq

The Basirma camp, situated 50 km northeast of Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, serves as a haven for Syrian Kurds who fled their homeland. Currently home to 2,108 individuals, it offers safety and shelter but also presents significant challenges due to its isolation from urban centres and economic hubs. This isolation leads to limited opportunities for employment and education among the youth population resulting in high unemployment rates. 

Many youths living in Basirma arrived as children or were born there. They face unique challenges including limited access to quality education and professional training which traps them in a cycle of dependency leading not only to bleak economic prospects but also affecting personal development and mental health. 

Understanding these issues is crucial for fostering skills and confidence within this young group. By equipping them with practical knowledge that can lead them towards employment we aim to break this cycle of dependency contributing positively towards their community's well-being. 

A considerable number of the camp's residents aged 19-24 are out of work, lacking educational or training opportunities thus dimming any hopes they might have had about personal growth or financial stability. 

Consider Mohammad’s story: he left his home at age twelve along with his family seeking refuge in Kurdistan from Qamishli, Syria. Despite managing against all odds to graduate top of his class after studying law on scholarship intending on advocating for refugee rights he faced new hurdles when regulations required him being an Iraqi national before practicing law locally. 

This setback led him into vocational training where he learned about electronics trade offering him a potential lifeline amidst adversity; "This was a chance to reshape my future," he expresses optimistically about acquiring hands-on experience beyond just theoretical know-how while exploring markets understanding business dynamics better - now looking forward keenly towards opening up his own shop someday soon catering affordable yet reliable products much needed around the camp area despite facing numerous obstacles so far along his journey – showing resilience inspiring other youngsters around him even during tough times encouraging them to keep pursuing their dreams. 

Then there is Rodan's story: she was only seven when her family had to flee Syria for safety in Basirma camp. Her older sister’s education dreams were thwarted due to financial constraints leading her into early marriage exposing Rodan at a tender age towards challenges of displacement including financial pressures on one’s parents. 

Despite these hardships, she kept alive her childhood passion about media eventually enrolling herself into university studying media although this too had to be paused later due to lack of funds; "This year, I felt sick, watching my friends moving forward while I was stuck," she recalls. However, learning about People In Need's vocational training programme opened up new possibilities for her - from learning marketing skills and customer engagement techniques down to understanding market dynamics better equipping herself with practical business knowledge despite facing limited job opportunities within the isolated small-sized camp area – remaining hopeful and resilient about future prospects keeping faith alive amidst adversity. 

To address such significant challenges faced by young Syrian adults in Basirma camp we have developed a vocational training program funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), partnered with Save the Children, Intersos and Rwanga Foundation targeting 19-24-year-olds who are out of work or not currently enrolled in educational/training programs offering them practical skill acquisition along with soft skills enhancement through structured series of trainings followed by internships partnering local businesses ensuring immersive hands-on experience contributing positively towards their futures.