First: Project Background
The project was implemented in response to high unemployment rates among youth in Batnaya and the limited livelihood opportunities available, in addition to social challenges resulting from years of conflict. The project focused on empowering young men and women by equipping them with practical vocational skills, providing start-up toolkits, and strengthening social cohesion and community dialogue among different groups.
Second: Project Objectives
1. Reduce unemployment rates in Batnaya by providing specialized vocational training supported with start-up toolkits.
2. Improve livelihood opportunities for young men and women in locally demanded sectors.
3. Strengthen social cohesion through community dialogue and trust-building among diverse social groups.
Third: Implemented Activities
1. Community Outreach and Beneficiary Selection
IID coordinated with local community leaders, municipal representatives, government authorities, NGOs, and local mukhtars between 1/1/2023 and 15/1/2023 to identify eligible beneficiaries according to clear selection criteria.
Announcements were shared via social media and traditional outreach methods to ensure broad community engagement. After screening applications, 50 beneficiaries were selected (24 females, 26 males, including one person with disabilities).
2. Vocational Training Program (7 Weeks)
The vocational training was implemented in cooperation with the Directorate of Labor and Social Affairs (DOLSA). The program lasted 7 weeks, totaling 20 training days, 4 hours per day, distributed across 3 days per week. Both theoretical and practical components were included, and participant costs were covered by the project.
Training sectors included:
A. Agriculture (15 participants: 9 females, 6 males, including one person with disabilities)
The training covered soil preparation, nursery types, fertilizer use, and soil mix preparation. Practical sessions were conducted through the rehabilitation and beautification of a public garden in Batnaya. Participants gained practical skills and confidence to work in the agricultural sector.
B. Secondary Ceiling Installation (10 males)
Training covered ceiling installation techniques, measurements, use of tools, and safety standards. Practical work was conducted at the training center.
C. Electrical Installations (10 males)
Training included electrical basics, reading electrical drawings, wiring installation, and safe installation of switches and electrical systems according to technical standards.
D. Handmade Decoration for Weddings and Events (15 females)
Training focused on decorative design, embroidery techniques, use of various materials, and implementation of real projects to promote self-employment opportunities.
3. Business Development and Marketing Training (10 Days)
All 50 beneficiaries received business and marketing training between 19/3/2023 and 6/4/2023, in coordination with the Vocational Training Institute in Ninewa.
The curriculum covered:
• Business plan development
• Marketing and pricing
• Supply chain management
• Basic bookkeeping and accounting
• Customer service
• Life skills (time management, stress management, communication)
• Digital marketing
4. Distribution of Start-up Toolkits (9/4 – 11/4/2023)
All trainees who successfully completed the program received start-up toolkits valued at approximately USD 300 per beneficiary, tailored to each vocational sector.
IID followed transparent procurement and tendering procedures to ensure quality and relevance of the toolkits, enabling beneficiaries to initiate self-employment activities.
5. Social Cohesion Sessions
IID implemented weekly community dialogue sessions from 1/2/2023 to 15/3/2023, with one 3-hour session per week, aligned with the vocational training schedule.
Sessions focused on:
• The importance of diversity
• Peaceful coexistence
• Trust-building across social groups
• Reducing conflict drivers
• Social integration
At the end of the program, participants presented topics related to inclusion, diversity, and social cohesion, demonstrating their understanding and commitment to community engagement.
6. Closing Ceremony (13/4/2023)
A closing ceremony was organized with the participation of the Chamber of Commerce, universities, public and private technical institutions, SMEs, church representatives, the Mukhtar of Batnaya, and the District Commissioner of Telkaif.