Future Projects
Iraqi Youth Rehabilitation & Jobs Skills Training Center
Situation: Due to the war in Iraq, the majority of the insurgent groups and militias are recruiting teenagers as fighters, planters of mines, roadside bombs and car-suicide bombs. These children are easy to exploit, and are often lured into this work through brainwashing, and the promise of an easy source of income.
Project Description: A rehabilitation center that addresses the psychological, educational and economic needs of children affiliated with armed conflict. The center provides psychological/social/rehabilitation/economical supports for the teenagers of Neinewa (Mosul) province as preventive and curing measures to combat trafficking and exploiting children and teenagers by insurgents. Working together with community businesses, the center will educate and train these teenagers with job skills and help them find employment within the community work force. In the short term, USAID will provide funding for teens to engage in community cleanup projects, giving them more access to money while improving the community. The center will also raise awareness with the children about child and human rights as well as respect for cultural and religious diversities
Supporting Organization
Bustan Association for Children’s Media and Culture/BACEMA (Suleimanya, Iraq)
Outcomes/goals:
Short Term: Iraqi youths will have an immediate place to turn as an alternative to joining militias; they will receive psychological counseling to help them readjust to regular life; teenagers will have an alternate source of making money through the community cleanup projects; the community will benefit due to the cleanup effort.
Long Term: Iraqi youths will develop marketable skills and be able to secure jobs in the community that support them financially. They will be able to see a different future for themselves as opposed to joining insurgent groups; teens will have a greater understanding of, and respect for, diversity.