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Boosting youth activism in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Youth voices: Engaging Kurdish youth in social change
Networks of Change || (NoC 2)
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3Campaigns
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100Youth enrolled
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21Campaigners
Networks of Change II (NoC 2) is a continuous effort building on the successful outcomes of the first Networks of Change (NoC).
It focuses on fostering trust and resilience among youth in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Through intensive training, awareness campaigns, and leadership and entrepreneurship development, NoC II paves the way for Kurdish youth to actively participate in social, economic, and political life.
NoC || focuses on youth in the regions of Ranya, Halabja, and Chamchamal and the people surrounding them: teachers, social workers and parents. In these regions, secondary schools and universities work together to strengthen the present youth centers in order to empower and engage local young people and their communities.
Youth are invited to participate in this programme and attend a variety of trainings such as awareness campaigning, storytelling, drama writing for change, social media, event organising and entrepreneurship. Once engaged in the programme, they design and organise campaigns themselves. For example, to convince Kurdish youth to engage in talks and political discussions about pressing issues affecting young people, critically and constructively – with becoming polarised.
- Active locations
- Iraq
- Donors
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Stories
Video
Our first campaign was a huge success!
Video
Voices of success: Young entrepreneurs in Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Key features of the NoC II programme
Youth-led campaigns
A unique aspect of NoC II is its emphasis on youth designing and organising their campaigns. This empowers young people to take leadership roles and address issues important to them, promoting critical thinking and constructive political engagement without polarisation.
Vibrant community events
The programme organises events such as youth festivals, which serve as platforms for showcasing talents, promoting vocational opportunities, and fostering community spirit. The recent festival in Ranya, for instance, featured interactive booths, workshops, cultural performances, and initiatives like the “Maro…Chaki Ka” campaign against illegal migration.
Focus on vocational careers
The programme specifically encourages youth to consider vocational careers as viable and fulfilling alternatives to illegal migration, addressing economic stability through practical and immediate solutions.
Sustainability and future prospects
The program aims to establish sustainable opportunities for youth, with a commitment to ongoing support and development beyond the programme’s duration through building a community platform to connect youth and stockholders, rehabilitating youth centres and more!
Holistic community engagement
The programme engages youth, teachers, social workers, parents, and local organisations and government bodies to create a robust support network. By involving secondary schools, universities, and community stakeholders, it ensures initiatives are well-integrated into local contexts and policies.
Diverse training and development
NoC 2 offers a wide array of training opportunities, including awareness campaigning, storytelling, drama writing for change, social media, event organising, and entrepreneurship. This variety caters to different interests and talents, encouraging youth to engage in ways that resonate with them personally.
