A Historic Milestone: Honouring the Past, Building the Future

Chamchamal, a town that has endured hardship and preserved the memory of past struggles, took an important step toward building a more inclusive economic future by hosting its first-ever job fair on April 22, 2025. Organised as part of SPARK’s “Work for Work” campaign, the event was implemented in partnership with the Civil Development Organisation (CDO) under the Networks of Change II programme, with funding from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The job fair was held at the Anfal Monument, a site that stands in remembrance of the victims of the Anfal campaign, hence, choosing this location carried deep symbolic weight. It reminded guests of the region’s painful history while anchoring the event in a vision for a more hopeful and prosperous future. The organisers aimed to connect this moment of commemoration with the prospect of opportunity – particularly for young people who are ready to shape a new chapter for Chamchamal.

Bringing Together Companies, Youth, and Experts for Lasting Impact

A total of 22 companies participated, representing a range of industries including oil and gas, technology, services, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Each company set up a dedicated space where representatives could speak with job seekers, answer questions, and collect CVs. These interactions allowed young people to engage directly with hiring managers, something that many had never experienced before.

The day began with opening remarks from organisers, who welcomed attendees and introduced the goals of the “Work for Work” campaign. This was followed by a seminar that highlighted the campaign’s achievements, including the number of youth reached, the types of employability support offered, and the role of partnerships in delivering training and job-matching services.

A key component of the programme was a panel discussion titled “Collaboration Within Vocational Networking.” The panel brought together representatives from academia, the private sector, and youth-led organisations to reflect on how stronger coordination across sectors could help address youth unemployment. The discussion focused on aligning vocational education with market needs, promoting private sector engagement, and ensuring that young people are equipped with skills that translate into tangible job opportunities. 

Connecting Local Action to Regional Change and Real Opportunities

In addition to the panel, a senior programme officer from SPARK presented an overview of the Networks of Change II programme. The presentation placed the Chamchamal event within a broader regional context, outlining how the programme supports peacebuilding efforts, employment, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion across Iraq and the wider region. It also provided insights into the long-term vision of building stronger local ecosystems that enable young people to thrive.

After the formal sessions, attendees made their way to the job fair exhibition area. The atmosphere was lively and focused, with company representatives speaking one-on-one with job seekers, sharing advice, and offering details about available roles. Many companies reported receiving dozens of CVs, while participants took the opportunity to visit multiple booths and ask targeted questions.

Over 1,600 young people attended the event throughout the day. This high turnout reflected both the scale of unemployment in the region and the strong motivation among youth to find meaningful work. For many, the fair provided not only access to employers but also a sense of possibility, a signal that their aspirations are being taken seriously.

The success of the Chamchamal job fair demonstrated the value of bringing together young people, employers, and local institutions in one space. It also highlighted the importance of long-term investment in employment infrastructure, particularly in areas that have experienced marginalisation. While the event was a single day, its impact is expected to extend much further – through the connections made, the lessons shared, and the doors it has helped open.