The project is funded by CEI – Italian Episcopal Conference, in partnership with Caritas Iraq, Rwanga Foundation and Catholic University. The project aims to support the social and economic development of the Christian community in Iraqi Kurdistan by promoting a pathway towards inclusion and poverty reduction, with the goal of reducing the regional poverty rate to 27%.
More specifically, the initiative seeks to enhance the social, economic and educational integration of the most vulnerable Christian populations in the governorates of Erbil and Duhok, with a specific focus on children, young people, women, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.
To achieve this goal, the interventions focus on two key pillars. On the one hand, strengthening social cohesion through sports, recreational activities and human rights awareness sessions, with the aim of engaging 400 participants and fostering greater community awareness of minority rights. On the other hand, enhancing the technical and professional skills of 160 vulnerable young people aged between 18 and 35 through vocational training, entrepreneurship initiatives and practical internships. The ultimate objective is for at least 80% of local partner companies to report satisfaction with the level of preparedness achieved by the beneficiaries.
By working synergistically on social integration and economic empowerment, the project aims to reduce youth unemployment and decrease reported discrimination, ultimately promoting a more stable and inclusive environment for Christian minorities and the wider community in the target governorates.
