Young people for peacebuilding and mediation in Iraq
Graduation of the YEM capacity development project
On Saturday, June 29th, 33 trainees were graduated and awarded with certificates, issued from the International Mediation Institute (IMI) and the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI) after completed extensive training through the Young Enumerators and Mediators (YEM) capacity development project.
Youth are crucial to peace and stabilization efforts in Iraq. As the most affected by conflicts, young people have the potential to be key agents of change with proper support and incentives. The YEM project aimed to train 200 young individuals from Ninewa in data collection, conflict analysis, management, and mediation. By equipping youth with these skills, the initiative enhanced their ability to contribute effectively to local peacebuilding and conflict transformation efforts.
“We hope that this project is repeated, that this training is done again elsewhere. We want our communities to have the same experience as we did. It is impactful and useful.”
(YEM Graduate about the Project)
The YEM project is part of the GIZ programme, “Strengthening Resilience in Dealing with Crises and Conflicts in Nineveh (SRN)”. Implemented by AMBERO with its partners CMC and CRISP, it focused on training young people to become skilled enumerators, conflict advisors, and mediators. The project unfolds in multiple phases, progressively enhancing trainees’ expertise to independently resolve small-scale community disputes, fostering a sustainable community of practice (CoP) for peacebuilding and mediation.
Laying the foundation
The learning journey began with a three-day theoretical session and ten days of fieldwork, focusing on data collection, enumeration, and social research, providing a solid foundation in data-driven conflict analysis. The next phase included a ten-day theoretical session and fourteen days of fieldwork centred on conflict analysis, where trainees develop a deep understanding of local conflict dynamics. The third phase featured ten days of theoretical sessions dedicated to mediation, offering a robust framework for practicing mediation techniques.
Some impressions from the different trainings absolved by the YEM project participants
Intensive learning from experts
The training culminated in a five-day study trip to Lebanon, integral to the YEM project, providing practical experience and allowing trainees to apply learned tools and techniques in a two-day simulation. These trips offered engagement with carefully selected specialists in conflict resolution, reconciliation, and mediation, enhancing the trainees’ learning through expert insights and advanced methodologies. These interactions are designed to enhance their learning experience by exposing them to expert insights and advanced methodologies in the field. By working closely with these specialists, the trainees further refined their skills and gained new perspectives on managing conflicts.
The study trip to Lebanon was particularly significant as it provided a diverse and immersive environment for the trainees to practice their skills. The engagement with local activists and mediators during this trip allowed the trainees to gain real-life experience and insights into the practical aspects of mediation and conflict resolution, thereby enriching their overall learning journey.
The study trip concluded with reflective sessions were trainees shared their insights and feedback, solidifying their learning experiences. One trainee expressed feelings of pride mixed with fear, acknowledging the great responsibility that comes with the knowledge gained:
“I have taken with me a large diversity of relations and a new eye to see things, a new perspective.”
This trip has significantly contributed to building a sustainable community of young peacebuilding practitioners and mediators.
Impressions from the study trip to Lebanon
Reaping the fruits of their labor
The graduation ceremony that took place in Erbil, Iraq, highlighted the major milestones and achievements of the YEM project, culminating in the awarding of certificates, issued from the International Mediation Institute (IMI) and the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI).
We are immensely proud of the YEM trainees for their dedication and growth throughout this transformative experience. They are now ready to apply the concepts, techniques, and skills they have learned to make a positive impact in their communities.
