December 11, 2023
News
Iraq relies heavily on oil for its income, with most jobs in the government and the oil industry. As the world transitions to a green economy and cleaner energy sources, many Iraqis could be at risk of losing their jobs in the coming years. Decades of conflict have also pushed many into poverty and deprived them of their livelihoods. The recent conflict with the so-called Islamic State displaced over 6 million people within Iraq. They were forced to flee and could not find jobs upon their return.
We help Iraqis rehabilitate their livelihoods
In regions once under the control of the so-called Islamic State, homes, infrastructure, and the means for people to earn a living were severely damaged. Iraqis in these areas require assistance to rebuild their lives and shelters and return to a sense of normalcy. To address this, Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq has introduces numerous projects in Ninewa, Anbar, Kirkuk, and Salahaddin to help internally displaced people and local communities recover and regain their independence.
We have provided business management training to hundreds of entrepreneurs, startups, craftspeople, and young people. Our training sessions cover the essentials of running a business, including how to create a business plan, manage money, and market products. These skills have empowered many displaced people and members of host communities to start anew, grow, and broaden their business ventures. Our training also shows them how to spot opportunities for growth and keep their businesses going strong.
Caritas Czech Republic has offered business grants to internally displaced people and local communities throughout Iraq, aiding them in rebuilding and launching new enterprises. These grants have been awarded to various business ideas across multiple sectors. Not only have they helped internally displaced people and local residents create lasting ways to earn a living, but they have also boosted the local economy. Additionally, the new businesses have opened up job opportunities, contributing to the reduction of unemployment in these regions.
“I took part in a ten-day business skills training course and learned a lot of useful things. Today I know how to run my own business," says Meethaq, a welder from Iraq's largest region, Anbar. Meethaq also received a grant from Caritas Czech Republic, which he used to buy equipment for his welding workshop.
We train young people to develop market-relevant skills
Caritas Czech Republic offers vocational training as part of its activities in Iraq. These trainings introduce practical life and job skills, including how to connect with others professionally, which is key to building a strong network. Thanks to these skills, many job seekers in Iraq have found it easier to find work and make important professional connections.
We also carry out On-Job-Trainings and Work-Based Learning programmes. Our on-job training helped fresh graduates step into the private sector through internships that vary in length. These internships give the young adults real work experience in their chosen fields and teach them the skills they need to succeed in today's job market.
Our Work-Based Learning programme is a new initiative we have introduced in Iraq. We focused on 400 young people from the Ninewa and Duhok governorates, giving them hands-on training in the most in-demand sectors. Each participant's training course and plan were carefully created and followed by vocational instructors from Vocational Training Centers in the Ninewa and Duhok governorates. We also had a lot of help from Youth Directors and enterprises in carrying out this project.
Caritas Czech Republic is dedicated to aiding Iraqis on their path to stability and growth while also tackling unemployment. We take great pride in the commitment and accomplishments of each participant in our various projects across Iraq.
Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq
Since 2015, Caritas Czech Republic has been active in Iraq, delivering humanitarian aid to governorates affected by the so-called Islamic State. Our efforts have been dedicated to assisting internally displaced people and returnees with their essential needs and the challenges faced by them and their host communities. As Iraq navigates the post-conflict recovery phase, it also confronts new challenges, including climate change. In response, Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq has unveiled a new strategy in 2023, targeting critical areas such as livelihoods, protection, and climate change. This strategy allows Caritas Czech Republic not only to continue but also to expand our projects to help Iraq's ongoing development journey.
