The “Returning with Hope” project to support returnees from Al-Hol Camp to Ninewa Governorate.

Donar: GCERF

IID implemented the “Returning with Hope” project to support returnees from Al-Hol Camp in Ninewa Governorate, with the support of GCERF, during the period from July 2024 to 31 January 2026, in Baaj District, Mosul, and surrounding areas.

The project targeted families returning from Al-Hol Camp through Jada Camp, who faced complex psychological, social, and educational challenges as a result of prolonged displacement, exposure to trauma, social stigma, disruption of education, and limited livelihood opportunities. Interventions focused particularly on women and children as the most vulnerable and affected groups.

Project activities included conducting regular household visits within a case management framework, assessing family needs, and referring cases requiring specialized intervention to health authorities, protection services, or medical support providers. This approach strengthened early access to services for the most vulnerable individuals.

Under MHPSS services, community safe spaces and counseling rooms were operated to provide individual and group psychological support sessions, life skills activities, and emotional regulation sessions, in addition to specialized interventions under the mhGAP and PM+ programs. A confidential MHPSS hotline was also established to ensure safe and accessible support.

During the implementation period, the project reached more than 8,700 beneficiaries through various MHPSS activities, while over 2,800 individuals received direct psychological support services that contributed to improving emotional stability and strengthening coping capacities within their communities.

In the education sector, activities were implemented to support the reintegration of children into schools. These included the provision of school materials, peer-to-peer learning activities, extracurricular sessions to enhance social cohesion, and assistance with completing official documentation required for school enrollment. Approximately 4,955 children benefited from these activities across 30 targeted schools in Ninewa Governorate, contributing to reduced dropout risks and improved school engagement and belonging.

The project also included a capacity-building component, where more than 480 teachers and frontline staff, as well as PTA members and community volunteers, were trained on PSS methodologies, case management procedures under SOPs, and the application of mhGAP and PM+. These efforts strengthened the ability of local institutions to provide sustainable and effective services.

In addition to direct services, awareness sessions and community workshops were conducted to reduce stigma associated with seeking MHPSS services and to promote social cohesion between returnees and host communities, supporting long-term community stability.

The implementation of the “Returning with Hope” project represents an integrated model linking MHPSS, education, and community capacity building, contributing to resilience and sustainable stability in Ninewa Governorate following years of conflict.