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October 29, 2024

Bridging art, youth empowerment, and community development in Halabja

  • location
    Iraq

In the Kurdish region of Iraq, where dreams of migration often overshadow local opportunities, Akam Akram, a 25-year-old artist and graduate of the Halabja Institute of Fine Arts, has dedicated himself to a different path—one of community development and youth empowerment. Akam is a talented artist, contract teacher, and designer working in 3D and graphic design. Yet his most impactful role may be as a campaigner for the Networks of Change (NoC) programme, where he is advocating for a brighter future for Kurdish youth in their homeland.

Akam’s journey through the Networks of Change (NoC) programme reflects a blend of creativity, leadership, and deep personal commitment to Halabja. The programme, which focuses on building trust and resilience among the youth of the Kurdistan Region, aims to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to participate in social, economic, and political life. For Akam, NoC has been pivotal—not only in shaping his own professional path but in how he views the potential of his community.

Addressing the migration crisis with local solutions

In recent years, the growing trend of illegal migration has become a major issue in the Kurdish region. Many young people, frustrated by limited job opportunities and economic instability, have chosen to commence on dangerous migration journeys to Europe, often risking their lives and futures in the process. In many ways, the NoC programme addresses this issue head-on, offering an alternative narrative by promoting local career development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

In 2023, Akam was one of 21 youth campaigners selected to participate in NoC’s six-month “Don’t Go, Fix It” campaign. This initiative, launched in the districts of Halabja, Chamchamal, and Ranya, aimed to discourage illegal migration by encouraging young people to invest in their communities and pursue careers at home. The campaign was designed to raise awareness about the dangers of migration and highlight the opportunities available within Iraq for personal growth and success.

Reflecting on his involvement in the campaign, Akam says, “One of the key messages we wanted to send was that the future we seek abroad can actually be built here, if we work together and invest in ourselves and our communities. The time we spend waiting as asylum seekers in Europe could be used more productively here, where we can create real change and make a lasting impact.”
The Networks of Change programme is much more than just an awareness campaign. It offers a comprehensive approach to youth development, providing intensive training, leadership development, and opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful social and economic activities. Youth participants are invited to attend a variety of workshops and training sessions on topics such as awareness campaigning, storytelling, drama writing for change, social media strategies, event organising, and entrepreneurship.
These trainings not only enhance the participants’ personal skills but also empower them to design and lead their own campaigns and initiatives. By encouraging critical thinking and encouraging constructive political discussions, the programme enables Kurdish youth to tackle the pressing issues affecting their communities in a thoughtful and collaborative manner.

For Akam, the skills he gained through the NoC programme have been invaluable. “Through NoC, I learned how to better communicate, organise events, and run campaigns that really engage people. It gave me the tools to reach out to others, whether through my art or community projects, and inspire them to take action.”

Building personal and professional networks

One of the key aspects of the Networks of Change programme is its emphasis on building strong, supportive networks among young people. For Akam, one of the most rewarding outcomes of his participation in the programme has been the friendships and professional connections he has made.

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Akam also benefited from targeted training that has helped him grow both personally and professionally. He earned a Training of Trainers (TOT) certificate, a significant achievement that allows him to pass on his knowledge and skills to others. This certificate has not only enhanced his teaching and leadership capabilities but has also given him the confidence to mentor young people in his community.

A call to stay and build

Akam’s work with the NoC programme has reinforced his belief in the power of staying and building at home. While the challenges in Iraq are real—economic uncertainty, political instability, and limited job opportunities—the risks of illegal migration, he argues, are far greater. For Akam, the long periods of waiting, the dangers on the journey, and the uncertain outcomes of asylum seeking are not worth the sacrifice.

“We can spend years waiting for a better life abroad, or we can use that time here to grow and develop ourselves,” Akam says. “Through programmes like NoC, we have the chance to build our skills, contribute to our communities, and create a future that is sustainable and meaningful. The answer isn’t to leave, but to stay and fix the problems we face together.”

Akam’s story is powerful in demonstrating the impact that local solutions and community engagement can have on the lives of young people. Through his art, teaching, and leadership in the NoC programme, Akam is helping to shape a new narrative for Kurdish youth—one that emphasises resilience, creativity, and collective action.

The Networks of Change programme is having a ripple effect across the Kurdish region, inspiring young people like Akam to take an active role in shaping their own futures. By strengthening youth centres, engaging teachers, social workers, and parents, and providing targeted training, NoC is paving the way for a more empowered and resilient generation.