October 26, 2021
Stories
Mr. Muhammed is 45-year-old. Along with his parents and grandparents, he used to work as a shepherd in the Heet countryside in Iraq. But because of the conflict he had to flee his home and went through difficult times when he was kidnapped by ISIS. After returning to Heet, he could not find any source of livelihood to support his family. Now he has a solid employment thanks to his participation in Caritas' Life Skills training.
Life Skills Training Program gave me hope
Heet is surrounded by towns and amazing hills where Muhammed worked as a sheep breeder in the fields. "I used to live in a desert and have rural customs and traditions that I still follow," says Muhammed. "Over time, I relocated with my family to the surrounding villages of Heet. Then I worked as a daily worker in construction and other tasks, and there were times when I was unable to find work to support my family,” he added.
Many Iraqis, like Muhammed, were forced to flee the conflict and now face an uncertain future due to a lack of employment opportunities.
"I was looking after livestock in a field during the time of ISIS. In the winter, I was kidnapped and held captive for several hours by a gang of armed guys. I feared the worst for my daughters and wife's safety. Luckily, I was able to run away. Fearing for their safety after I returned, I went to Al-Nekhaib-West Anbar with my children. But I was unable to find work there."
“My family depends on me to provide for them on a daily basis, so it's stressful when I find myself working one day and not the next. Life Skills training program gave me hope that I would be employed for a long time and eventually stand on my own two feet in a long-term job. Thanks to the training, I've gained a set of new skills that I intend to apply in the future,” says Muhammed.
“Before, I didn't have a regular job, but now I do,” Muhammed continues. "My hope has returned because I've finally got a normal job."
My goal is for my daughters to return to school and get jobs
Muhammed says: "I was a man with a tribal tendency. When I learned that the Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq had female employees and workers, I was thrilled and vowed to do everything in my power to get my daughters back to school so they could have good jobs and be independent".
