Challenge
Over the past two decades, the people of the western Iraqi governorate of Anbar have experienced a multitude of complex crises. The military invasion in 2003, the uprising of 2007 and the spread of the so-called Islamic State between 2014 and 2017 destroyed much of the infrastructure for the provision of basic services.
The reconstruction of this infrastructure is progressing slowly and is affecting relations between the state and society. Anbar has long been famous for its construction and handicrafts. However, these industries offer hardly any opportunities for a decent livelihood.
Goal
Basic state services have improved and the population has more opportunities for employment and income.
Approach
Together with the local government, the population and the cooperation partner Mercy Corps, the project is implementing construction and repair measures. Among other things, water treatment plants and administrative buildings were repaired. At the same time, the project is restoring water networks, parks, football pitches and a youth centre in Anbar, for example.
In addition, the project enables and improves vocational qualification formats offered by vocational training institutions for jobseekers, women and young people. It provides optimised and new vocational training programmes that are geared to the needs of the labour market. The project also supports institutional vocational training providers. In addition, it supports over 500 entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through financial grants and training to create jobs.
It also trains administrations and civil society actors to better involve women and disadvantaged groups in decision-making. It also offers methodological training on advocacy and civic participation for women and disadvantaged groups.