In the Kurdistan region of Iraq, we support the rights of children and young people with disabilities to attend school. The work is accomplished with partner organisations, networks and churches; Together to Protect Human and Environment, Halabja Disabled Organisation, Yes We Can, and the Assemblies of God Church.
Iraq has been damaged by long-lasting conflicts, and the country’s situation remains unstable. Almost half of the population live in poverty, and children still do not have access to education in many areas.
Children and young people in the Kurdistan region are especially faced with challenges, as they have long lived amid conflict and instability. For instance, the inhabitants of the city of Halabja are not only suffering from wars, but also the trauma caused by chemical attacks in the 1980s. Environmental pollution has also led to more children with disabilities being born in the region.
Supporting Education for Children with Disabilities
Fida’s Country Programme supports the right to education among children and young people with disabilities. The aim is to reduce the number of early school leavers and the incidence of bullying in schools, as well as increasing awareness of the rights of children with disabilities among communities.
I want to be a doctor when I grow up, so I can help others.
Raz, an Iraqi girl, summer school attendee.
Fida’s local partner organisations and networks are Together to Protect Human and Environment, Halabja Disabled Organisation, Yes We Can Network, and the Assemblies of God Church. Work is accomplished in the regions of Erbil, Halabja, Nineveh and Kirkuk.
School of Sustainable Development – Model Expands to New Regions
The Fida Country Programme promotes the right of children with disabilities to access early childhood and primary education. Teachers are trained in child-centred and inclusive teaching methods. The School of Sustainable Development model and its teaching guide are being extended to new schools. Children’s club activities are also being extended to new regions.
Psychosocial support and peer support groups are offered to children with disabilities and their parents. Local disabled people’s organisations are supported through various trainings. Communities are provided with training in menstrual and sexual health and rights.
Entrepreneurship Training for Unemployed Youth
In Iraq, many educated young people face unemployment. In response to this, Fida organises a pilot entrepreneurship training programme, in collaboration with the Together organisation, businesses, and universities.
The aim is for vulnerable young people, such as refugees, to be able to set up businesses and be a part of building a reforming Iraqi society.
Get to know our work
Our Country Programmes
Development work in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh we support the education of children and youth as well as the livelihood of families.
Development work in Bhutan
In Bhutan we support women’s livelihoods by organising vocational training.
Development work in Burundi
In Burundi we support the education opportunities of children and youth.
Development work in Democratic Republic of the Congo
In Congo we support peacebuilding and children’s right to equal and quality education.
Development work in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia we support building peace and the employment of women and youth.
Development work in Kenya
In Kenya we support the education of children, employment of youth, and livelihood of families.
Development work in Myanmar
In Myanmar we support the education of marginalised children and youth.
Development work in Nepal
In Nepal we support the education of children and youth.
Development work in Tanzania
In Tanzania we support the education and right to a safe living environment of children and youth. We especially focus on improving the status of children with disabilities.
Development work in Uganda
In Uganda we support the education and right to a safe living environment of children and youth.