Each certificate opened my mind to new skills and possibilities, and it gave me a better understanding of what I’m capable of
In Qaladze, a small town in the Kurdish region of Iraq, 25-year-old Nvar Nuri is helping to lead a movement that encourages young people to stay and build their future within the country. A graduate from the University of Halabja’s Business Department, Nvar has long been interested in design, but it wasn’t until she joined the Networks of Change (NoC) programme in 2023 that she found the platform to truly explore her talents and use them for the benefit of her community.
As part of the Networks of Change, a programme that builds trust and resilience among youth in the Kurdistan Region, Nvar was among the campaigners for the six-month Don’t Go, Fix It initiative. This campaign, launched in the districts of Ranya, Chamchamal, and Halabja, aimed to combat the rising trend of illegal migration by encouraging young people to focus on building their careers and exploring vocational opportunities within their homeland.
“For me, the Networks of Change programme was incredibly helpful in finding my strengths—especially in graphic design and content creation,” Nvar says. “I have always loved designing, and I’ve always been interested in things like logos, roll-ups, banners, and brochures. But before this programme, I had never tried to design them myself.”
New opportunities: discovering a passion for design
During the NoC programme, Nvar was able to immerse herself in the world of graphic design, a field that had always fascinated her but one she had never explored in depth. Through the training and mentorship offered by the programme, she gained the skills and confidence to create her own designs—transforming her curiosity into a practical, marketable skill.
“Through this programme, I was able to become a designer myself,” Nvar explains. “Now, I can create my own designs, and that has been a huge achievement for me.”
The Networks of Change programme offers participants a wide range of training sessions in areas such as content creation, digital tools, and social media, allowing young people to explore their interests and develop new skills that are relevant to today’s job market. Nvar’s journey reflects the success of these efforts, as she has now become a skilled designer who can contribute to local businesses and community projects through her creative talents.
For Nvar, one of the biggest achievements of the Don’t Go, Fix It campaign was not only the personal growth she experienced but also the sheer volume of new opportunities it brought her. “During the six months of the programme, we received more than ten certificates in different fields, each of which was a completely new experience for us,” she says. “Each certificate opened my mind to new skills and possibilities, and it gave me a better understanding of what I’m capable of.”
Through the programme’s events and activities, Nvar had the chance to meet other motivated young people from the region, work on collaborative projects, and develop her leadership skills. This experience has boosted her confidence in her own abilities, allowing her to see herself as a valuable member of her society. “This campaign has significantly boosted my confidence by showing that my skills and contributions can make a real difference,” Nvar explains. “It has shown me that I am a beneficial individual in this society and that I can make a positive change through my efforts.”
Staying to build a future in Iraq
Like many of her peers, Nvar had once considered the possibility of leaving Iraq in search of better opportunities abroad. But after participating in the Networks of Change programme and realising the value she can bring to her community, she now feels empowered to stay and contribute to her country’s growth.
“Currently, I can start my own work in my own country, which will prevent me from thinking about immigration and lead me to stay here and not leave,” Nvar says. Her newly gained skills in graphic design and content creation, combined with the confidence and experience she acquired through the NoC programme, have given her the tools to succeed at home.
For Nvar, staying in Iraq is not only a personal decision but a reflection of her belief in the power of young people to shape the future of their country. Through her work as a designer and her advocacy as a campaigner, she hopes to inspire other Kurdish youth to invest in their own skills and contribute to the development of their communities rather than seeking uncertain futures abroad.
Through her work, Nvar is proving that success doesn’t require leaving one’s home. With the right support, training, and confidence, young people in Iraq can build meaningful careers and contribute to the growth of their nation—right where they are.