Report

By: Dhafer F. Hasan

UNDP – Iraq

2013 http://www.iq.undp.org/

1

Table of contents:

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Objectives and Expected Outcomes ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

Approach ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Training Programme ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17

Outcomes ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Lessons Learned and Recommendations ................................................................................................................................................ 21

Follow up ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23

Successful Stories ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Links ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

List of Participants ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

« If you can dream it, you can do it » Walt Disney

2

#

63 Participants

8 Volunteers

4 Trainers

7 days

+42 Training Hours

8 Outdoor activities

This report used inputs from:

Trainers: Ms. Zarin Hainsworth (Project Management trainer)

Ms. Justine Abi Saad (Training of Trainers trainer)

Mr. German Robles Osuna (Youth Mobilization trainer)

Mr. Aso Wahab (Youth Mobilization – social media trainer)

Volunteers: Mr. Mujtaba Zuhair Satar (Volunteer – reporting)

Mr. Haider Ahmed Jawad (Volunteer – reporting)

Mr. Ali Ammir Taha (Volunteer – reporting)

Ms. Shahad Theaa Mahdi (Volunteer – Photographer)

Mr. Kaiser Maytham Alwardy (Volunteer – Photographer)

Mr. Dheaa Aziz Mohammed (Volunteer – Photographer)

Mr. Ammar Zaid Majeed (Volunteer – Logistics)

Male 49%

Female 51%

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Introduction:

Youth Training Camp (YTC 2013) is one of the main capacity building activities targeting youth activists in 2013, implemented by the

United Nations Development Programme in Iraq (UNDP). This event is one of the outputs of the youth project that aims to support

youth active participation and engagement in policy and decision making processes in Iraq – under the Participatory Governance

Programme. YTC 2013 took place from 18 to 24 August 2013 at the American University in Sulymaniya. Over 70 youth activists have

participated in this seven days training event (63 participants – 51% female/ 49 Male – 8 volunteers).

Work Plan and Steps:

Step One - Outreach, trust building, communication and visibility (March 2013): This step used different tools and mechanisms

including: series of formal and non-formal meetings with youth activists and youth groups, attending youth activities and events,

support the creation of a Facebook group called Youth Café managed by youth activists to be a space for sharing ideas and

opportunities and the creation of an online form to register youth activists in Iraq. Outputs of this step: The group on Facebook has

now about 3000 members and it became very well known among youth activists. The online registration for by the end of this step

had 1000 youth activists registered.

Step two - Training Needs Assessment (April – May 2013): The training needs assessment process included

both online and offline activities: Offline: Five regional meetings have been conducted in different cities in

Iraq, over 80 youth activists have participated in those events. Online: The Facebook group, the online

registration form and online meetings and sessions. Outputs of this step: the project became very much

visible and popular among youth and developing the Training Needs Assessment Report

(http://www.iq.undp.org/content/dam/iraq/docs/dem-gov/UNDP-IQ-DG-youth-training-needs-2013-EN.pdf).

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The diversity of the

participants was one of the

most important features of

this event - girls and boys

(average 25 years old) from

all over Iraq and from

different backgrounds,

religions, languages, accents

and ethnic groups in one

place working toward one

goal. It gave a practical

example of social cohesion

and harmony.

Step Three - Selection Process (July – August 2013): The selection process was conducted based on the

previous steps and tools (Online registration form, the group and the regional meetings). A selection

committee was formed and the process was very well communicated with youth activists based on very

clear selection criteria. Outputs of this step: 65 participants and nine volunteers were selected in a

transparent process.

Step Four - Conducting the Youth Training Camp (18 to 24 August 2013): Based on the Training Needs

Assessment report the training program was developed and the trainers were selected to meet the

objectives of this program. This report includes all the details about this event.

Step Five - Follow up and support (September to December 2013): the follow up process started right

after the training event using different tools, the main one is the online follow up system, which allows

the participants and other youth activists to report their activities and the progress they are making.

(Please refer to page 19: Follow up).

Step Six - Youth Participation Conference (November 2013): the next event in the action plan is to

conduct a meeting between youth activists and the Iraqi Parliament. This event aims to engage youth

and the parliament in a dialogue to identify mechanisms for youth engagement and participation in

decision making processes.

Step Seven - Evaluation (December 2013): the last event is to gather some of the participants of this

project to evaluate the project and to identify main action point for 2014.

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Objectives and Expected Outcomes:

To provide the participants with information regarding diversity, how to address conflict,

advocacy, youth mobilization, social media, project cycle and project management.

To build the capacity of youth with knowledge and skills regarding designing training

workshops, designing projects and designing advocacy plans.

To create a learning environment, build group dynamics, and to create a safe space

where participants share and reflect their experience.

To encourage and facilitate networking and group work and volunteerism.

To emphasize the importance of ethics and attitudes as youth representatives and

leaders.

To analyze youth challenges and future needs.

“The idea was to provide a training experience with very high standards in term of trainers, materials, venue, management, time

management, organization and attitudes to level up the standards of the participants for their future engagement with their

communities and with organizations.”

Dhafer F. Hasan (Project Officer – UNDP)

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Approach:

Creating a learning environment where trainers, participants, volunteers, venue, and the management team serve as elements of

the learning experience.

Inclusive: The training was very open and inclusive providing the participants with great chance to share their experience and

reflect on what they are learning during the training sessions and evening activities.

24/7: The training was not limited to the training sessions; they were involved in all the challenges and the decision making of

organizing the event itself. They were encouraged to interact with each other, the trainers, the management team and the

volunteers in non-formal way.

Responsive: the trainers and the management team were very responsive to participants’ needs and requests; this affected the

quality of the training positively.

“This is one of the best training

events we have seen in term of

organization and the selection of

participants, in our opinion over

90% of the participants were very

good and potential leaders for their

communities.”

Zarin & Justine - The trainers.

“The spirit of youth and the

atmosphere created: it was one of

the unique features of this camp -

how youth were motivated ,

taking initiative working till late

night hours, learning from each

other …etc.”

Justine – ToT Trainer

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Balance: a balance was sought in the design of this training camp between the intellectual (knowledge, information,

reflections), the skills (learning by doing) the attitudes (empathy, being proactive, volunteerism, being positive) and the actions

(coming up with actions and implementing them in the near future).

Time to reflect: many activities, especially the evening activities, were designed to

encourage the participants to think and reflect on their previous experience, what they are

learning and what are their future plans.

Case studies: many case studies were used to highlight cases of success and failure. In many

cases the participants shared their own stories and cases.

Outdoor activities: the training included different activities to break the routine, to

encourage the participants to know each other’s, to build trust, to have fun, and to gain new

experiences.

Challenging: the participants were challenged in order to give their best and to enhance

their capacity especially in time management, working in groups, knowledge and skills.

Friendly: the trainers and the management team used very friendly approach and led by example during the training especially in

respecting time, respecting others opinion, keeping positive attitude, openness and being active. The non-formal setting and

activities of this workshop aimed at creating a comfortable space for the participants in order for them to get to know each other

and start building essential connections and bridges that will help create a successful working group. Channels of discussions were

open between youth who normally wouldn’t get the chance to talk to each other simply because they come from a different

background or because of past prejudices.

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Technology: the training camp used different digital and electronic tools to highlight the importance of using technology. Also

they participants were encouraged to use social media and software especially for youth mobilization, advocacy, project

management and budgeting.

High standards and organization: the management team, the volunteers and the trainers kept very high standards and

showed professionalism in dealing with the participants and each other.

Attitude shifting and Ethics: the training highlighted clearly that knowledge, skills, intentions, goals and objectives, and

mechanisms are not enough; they should come as a package with positive attitudes and with real respect to the ethics of this field in

order to be successful in leading their communities.

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Training Programme:

The organization and the structure of the training program:

The participants were divided during the selection process into three workshops:

* Those colors were used in the agenda, name tags and the banner (Blue Team:

Project Management, Red Team: Training of Trainers and the Green Team: Youth

Mobilization).

Project management

workshop

24 participants

Female: 54%

Male: 46%

One trainer

Three volunteers

Training of Trainer

workshop

18 participants

Female: 61%

Male: 39%

One trainer

Two volunteers

Youth Mobilization

workshop

21 participants

Female: 38%

Male: 62%

Two trainers

Three volunteers

“it was fun, applicable, interactive, it helped me

know what I need and what I don't.” Ahmed

“I feel we are so lucky, we received training from

trainers from different countries and with

different experiences.” Lubna

“I want to take the ways of communication and I

will leave judgments behind. Although I don’t

usually say them out loud, but I keep them

inside’’- Manar

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Project Management:

This workshop addressed the following topics: Project Cycle, Managing/ Leading, Needs,

resources and skills assessment, Causal Pathway (Result Based management), SMARTER,

Implementation Plan, Monitoring and Evaluation, Budgeting and Project plan.

The training program managed to take the participants through the steps of projects

management, despite the fact that they had different levels of experience, the trainer

managed to level up their understanding of the topic and the tools they can use to

manage their current and future projects. The participants were encouraged to share

and reflect on their previous experiences.

The training program was designed to lead the participants to work in five groups to

develop some of their ideas into projects. They were asked to present their projects

in the sixth day of the training. Their presentations included the idea and the project

(inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, impact and the budget). Also they had to

explain the tools they used and will be using during the project. The presentations

were discussed and evaluated by the trainer and other participants.

Ms. Zarin Hainsworth: The trainer of the Project Management workshop, from United Kingdom. She is the Founder and Director

of Serene Communications – UK. She is an experienced trainer in different fields such as management, policy, entrepreneurship,

leadership and public-speaking.

“I have learned a lot from this training; I am planning

to cooperate with participants from ToT and Youth

Mobilization to implement a project” Qutaiba

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Ms. Justine Abisad: the trainer of the Training

of Trainers workshop from Lebanon. She is a

Program officer for civil peace program at GIZ

– Lebanon. She is a Trainer and Facilitator on

Peace-building and Conflict Transformation for

National and International organizations and

Trainer in SALTO (Support for Advance

Learning and Training opportunity) EuroMed

program.

Training of Trainers:

This workshop addressed the following topics: Group dynamic, Framework of the

training, Let’s talk about Diversity, Training design in a diverse group, Dealing with

Diversity, Positions, needs and interests, Conflict: definition, levels and styles,

Conflict: relationship with identity and culture, Creativity and communication,

Degrees of communication and levels of youth participation, Workshop design,

Training: objectives, methodology and Training: designing & Evaluations templates.

The trainer accompanied the participants through the training program and

changed her approach and adjusted the materials to meet their needs and to go

beyond their expectations. The training was mentally and psychologically

challenging; they were invited to know themselves in order to be able to

understand and deal with diversity and conflict and to build their training capacity

to start becoming trainers. One of the most important features of this training was

the approach of using interactive activities to deliver the training. They participants

were enjoying their time discovering themselves, their group and understanding

diversity and training.

The participants of this workshop were asked to develop their own training sessions

after dividing them into five groups, each group had to address a topic and provide

training sessions. Those sessions were evaluated by the trainer and they got

feedback on their performance.

“I realized that some conflicts don’t have to have

solutions. I just need to learn how to defend and

love myself. I will leave behind my negative attitude

towards conflicts.’’Allawi

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Youth Mobilization:

This workshop addressed the following topics: Advocacy and Public Policies, Advocacy

Tools, fundraising and resource mobilization, Advocacy planning, Analyzing the

environment, Social Media and youth mobilization (Facebook, tweeter, Flicker…etc.).

Two trainers participated in providing this training workshop, the first trainer

addressed Advocacy, youth mobilization and fundraising, while the other trainer

addressed using Social Media in advocacy campaigns and youth mobilization.

Similar to other workshops in this camp the participants had to turn some of their ideas

to an advocacy plan or a youth mobilization project. Each of the five groups designed a

presentation to illustrate their ideas; they used different social media tools in order to

share what they are doing and thinking online.

Mr. German Robles Osuna: one of the trainers of the Youth Mobilization workshop, from Maxico. He works as United Nations

Volunteer Programme Officer at UNDP – Iraq. His focus has been on developing the institutional capacities of civil society

organizations and government institutions in fragile-states to create advocacy platforms for resource mobilization and policy

dialogue.

Mr. Aso Wahab: One of the trainers of the Youth Mobilization workshop, from Iraq. He is the Director of Public Relations at Our

message to youth development organization. He is specialized in social media and a member of the Iraqi Network for Social Media

I.N.S.M.

{Both of the trainers participated in this training event as volunteers}

“We got to know things about social media that

we have never thought about, we definitely

going to use those idea for our next campaign”.

Saif

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The Agenda:

To

Day One Aug 18

Day Two Aug 19

Day Three Aug 20

Day Four Aug 21

Day Five Aug 22

Day Six Aug 23

Day Seven Aug 24

9:0

0

10:3

0

Opening Session

Divercity Position –need –

interest Creativity & Communication Workshop design

TOT: Training performance

PM: Presentations of Projects

YM: Presentations of Youth

TOT Group

Advocacy Tools Analyzing your environment

Press – E-News Citizens as Journalists

Facebook & Twitter Privacy

YM Group

Project Cycle Causal Pathway Budgeting Project plan for the

project PM Group

11:0

0

12:3

0

Know each other Training design

(1) Training design (3)

Levels of Communication & Participation

Training: Goals & Methodology

TOT Group

Advocacy & Public Policies

fundraising and resource

mobilization

Create your own advocacy strategy

Internet & freedom of expression

YouTube & Flickr YM Group

Introduction Managing/ Leading

SMARTER Revision M&E for the project PM Group

02:0

0

03:3

0

Group Dynamics Training design

(2) Conflict: types &

levels

Outdoor Activity:

Site visits to:

Local Government of Sulymania

Local NGO

Training: Design &

Closing Session

Evaluation

Best Advocate: You!

fundraising and resource

mobilization

How to make your plan fail

Using Mobiles for Youth Mobilization

Budgeting Pros &

Constraints Implementation Plan

Checking the project

04:0

0

05:3

0

Training framework

Dealing with divercity

Conflict: culture & identity

Training: Design &

Closing Session

Evaluation

intercultural communication

and conflict management

From intercultural

communication to intercultural

negotiation

Google tools - Blogging & Youth

Mobilization Make your page effective

Projects selection

Needs, resources &

skills assessment

M&E Checking the project

Evening Activities

Open evening

Culture Night Night Café

“Youth Participation” Reflection on the outdoor

activity Preparation for the

performance Farewell dinner

Each training day, before the evening activity, was followed by an evaluation meeting for

the management team, the trainers and the volunteers. Challenges, progress, concerns,

approach, success and ideas were discussed during those meetings. It was very useful to

have the whole team on the same page and aware of all the progress been made.

“Participating in the evaluation

meetings after each day was as

important as the training” Haider –

volunteer.

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Activities:

The aim of the common activities is to create a space for youth to learn from each other’s skills and culture as well as a safe space to

reflect in order to transform their attitudes from receivers only to main actors of change.

Three main elements or pillars guided the methodology used for the non-formal common activities. The first is empathy which is

required in order to soften hard and uncaring attitudes while easing communications and connections between the youth. The

second is creativity and creative thinking much needed in order to address contradictions in seemingly intractable conflicts and

diversity. The third and last is nonviolence to soften rough and violent thoughts and behaviors through communications and actions

Culture Night (second day):

The idea of the “Culture Night” is to highlight diversity from cultural point of

view, presenting different customs, food, poetry and pictures from different

governorates and ethnic groups in Iraq. The participants were asked to bring

something that represents their culture and it was a cultural fashion show.

‘“we had participated in previous training, but this one went in depth through the non-formal activities and critical thinking”

Ghofran

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Night Café (Third day):

This activity was designed to get the participants to share their ideas about

youth participation in decision making. They were invited to sit on tables

like a café and during their stay they will answer specific questions, then

they move to another table with different set of questions. Those questions

were about youth participation, volunteerism, mechanisms of engagement,

gender and role of youth in the decision making process.

Field visit to local NGO (Fourth Day):

The participants were hosted by one of the local youth organizations in Sulymania called Youth Activities Development Center. The

organization presented their activities and their achievements and challenges. They were very open and transparent to share their

projects documents and budgets with the participants to use during and after the training.

‘“The organization provided us with

information about how they run their

projects and about their donors. They

even gave us some proposals they have

written and the budgets- for us to learn

how we can write our projects in the

future.” Hasan

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Field visit to the local government in Sulymaniya (Fourth Day):

The local government of Sulymaniya hosted the participants to meet the local

government representatives. The chairman himself was leading the meeting

presenting the duties and the challenges of the local government there and gave

the participants the chance to ask questions.

Chill out Night (Fourth Day):

This activity was one of the most memorable activities of the camp, the participants were asked

to be silent for about an hour and reflect on what they have been doing and what they have

learned. Then they were gathered in a circle where there was a candle for each participant in a

very nice atmosphere. Whenever one of them feels to share something with the group, they

should stand in the middle of the circle and share their idea or reflection.

I have never shared this… I feel… I was down…reflecting about the

training… we are one united nation… we should love the diversity of

Iraq… we should work together…

“Let’s CHANGE” Ahmed

Phrases used by the participants that night

“Before celebrating our successes, we should learn to celebrate our weaknesses

because they are the ones that teach us life-lessons. People exist through other

people, because we learn from each other’’ Justine – TOT trainer

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This training was advertised

through social media

targeting youth groups and

organizations – about 1000

people have applied and

more than 3000 people

followed up with this event.

Challenges:

Selection of participants; this process was not easy taking in consideration gender

balance, geographical distribution, and the quality. Achieving over 40% female

participation, in particular, was very hard. On the other hand, this training was very will

advertised which increased the demand level, therefore the selection process and the

selection criteria had to be very well communicated and very transparent.

Security situation; holding such event with all the security concerns was another

challenge, different measures had to be considered to avoid any risk. The training was

conducted in Sulymaniya city which is very safe city, the participants were requested to

travel in big groups (buses) and some of them were requested to travel by airplane for

their safety.

Different trainers but one theme and one goal; four trainers participated in providing the

training, they were from different countries and with different skills, having them on the

same page required a lot of follow up and communication to come up with the training

program.

Language; two of the trainers were English speakers, having training in different languages is always challenging. The

management team had to change the translators in the first session of the first day to provide the best translation required

to carry on the workshop.

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Team work; this workshop required a lot of team work, given the diversity of the participants, the trainers and the

management team had to monitor their interaction and step in when required.

Attitude; one of the most important aspects of this training is to affect the attitude of the participants on the short and the

long term, especially to have them change the way they are dealing with each other and how they could change some of

their prejudgments and perceptions. This required a lot of energy from the team and the trainers.

The team allocated to work on this event from UNDP was relatively small, therefore requesting volunteers to support the

event was very useful – eight volunteers worked on the reporting, photography and logistics.

Time management, the training program is not short (seven days) yet there were a lot to cover, thus it required high self-

discipline from the management team, the trainers, the volunteers and the participants.

“Implementation of theory into practice was challenging. It is clear that the Iraqi situation

has denied them the educational opportunities that assist “thinking outside the box” and

self-awareness. However, during the course of the training, this was overcome to a

considerable extent and the participants all developed the ability to create a logical

project.”

Zarin – Project Management Trainer

19

Outcomes:

Network: a sense of connection and group was created and the participants started working together as a network on

different projects and initiatives; this was captured during the follow up process.

Attitude: a major shift of attitude felt by the end of the training this was clearly identified through their interaction through

social media and the events.

Visibility: the youth training camp became one of the most popular training opportunities among youth groups and

organizations in the country.

Ownership: the participants and the volunteers had great since of responsibility and ownership over the project and the

event; this ownership encouraged them to work hard and to increase the visibility of the project.

Action: “the training was not the end of the story” this massage was

very well communicated with the participants and it affected their

willingness to participate in volunteer activities to show their

commitment. Although the follow up system is sometimes adding

some pressure to have something to report on, but it seems they

are being reasonable in selecting their activities and their

involvement.

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Knowledge and skills: the level of their knowledge and skills has been enhanced, however helping them to identify their

needs and weaknesses were very much important. They realized that seven days of training is just the introduction and they

need to gain more knowledge and experience also they need to work on developing their skills.

Memorable: this event provided a life time experience; the memories of this event will always accompany them during their

lives. The fact that the whole team worked to make this event a high standard one made many youth activists refer to this

event as a goal of organization and management they want to reach.

Follow up: after this training event an online follow up system was developed and introduced to keep track of youth

activities in Iraq. This could be the first step or a prototype for more coherence and sophisticated monitoring and follow up

online system.

“We came in as individuals

with dreams; we left as A

GROUP with dreams”

Dhafer F. Hasan

21

Lessons Learned and Recommendations:

Those recommendations summaries the recommendations of the trainers and the management team:

Youth Training Camp should be an annual event since it very well known among youth activists in Iraq. Although the demand

for participation was very high this year, it is expected to be higher next year.

The process of organizing such events should remain as transparent, inclusive

and responsive as it is. This management approach is very comfortable for youth

because they feel recognized and involved which makes them more responsible

and have ownership over the whole process.

Having trainers from different backgrounds, countries and experiences working

as a team to provide the training is highly recommended.

Having volunteers as trainers, reporters, photographers and coordinators was a very successful idea; it added great value to

the event, demonstrated the idea of volunteerism and set an example for the participants, it was very useful for the

volunteers themselves also it is very cost effective.

It is recommended that volunteers get one day training before the event to be ready to manage it.

Such training events should be conducted in places like the American University in Sulymaniya for many reasons; the place

was very much organized to such events, it costs a lot less than any hotel or other venues in the country with such quality,

the university has policies and regulations that participants should respect which was part of the training environment, there

was a chance to interact with the students from the university which was very supportive and positive, and the

22

accommodation for girls and boys were in different buildings and totally separated which helped girls to feel very

comfortable and encouraged some of them to feel safe to participate in the first place.

Keeping high standards, planning and constant evaluation between trainers and the

management team in order to inspire participants that professional and organized work can

be done and we are responsible of it.

Translation plays very critical role in any training that involves people speaking different

languages, the quality of translation must be very high to make sure that the training is

delivered.

It is highly recommended to create an online database to register youth activists, their

activities, needs, challenges…etc. this website will serve as follow up tool as well.

Participants should work in depth on communication skills and active listening. There should

be close coaching and repetitive trainings in order to maintain the spirit and attitudes.

The participants need to gain more knowledge regarding training, management and

advocacy; it is recommended to provide them with materials and online training.

It must be ensured that this year’s participants have the opportunity to share their

experience of the actions they have taken, progress made, and success, at next year’s

training. Participants must be able to record their achievements and make these available to

UNDP.

“Wish and insist on making

this training annual. I think

the night activities we did

every night not only the

candle night but every night

we stayed up talking,

discussing, sharing many

things; for me it was one of

my favourite things in the

camp... and the atmosphere

inside the training halls was

awesome and casual so we

felt like home doing whatever

we want to be comfortable

and that was very helpful to

break the ice between the

participants and even with the

trainers so we felt close and

never hesitate to ask

about/for something.. In

general the training was one

of its kind, it broke the

stereotypes about training in

Iraq.” Maryam

23

Follow up:

Right after the training camp a follow up tool was introduced to the participants, this tool is an online

form where youth can record their activities. This form includes questions like: (Name, sex, location,

contact information, If they have participated in the training camp or not, it is open to any activist to

submit their record. If the event they want to report is a planned, current or conducted activity, date

and location of the activity. What was their role in this activity? And how do they evaluate themselves?

What indicators they used to evaluate themselves. Objectives, target group, partners, pictures,

documents, publication, media coverage…etc. Achievements, challenges, needs and lessons learned. If

they have worked with other participants of the training camp and how they evaluate their

cooperation…etc.)

Those questions were designed to cover all the aspects of a report; it is useful to keep track of all the

activities done by the participants and other youth in Iraq. Those figures beside presents some

qualitative data retrieved from the form 30 days after the training (120 report were submitted in this

period from all over Iraq).

This tool was created using “Google Drive” which is totally free, however there will be a need to have

more independent and sophisticated website and follow up system.

Follow up form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1P4mGRx-bAcggmIPdmZub1YbjcZfDsKHjBBR_v2lbwtk/viewform

Male 80%

Female 20%

Current 19%

Planed 20%

Done 61%

Not participant

48%

Project Management

16%

Youth Mobilization

25%

Training of Trainers

11%

24

Successful Stories:

Following up with the participants through the online reporting system or through social media there are many successful stories.

Most of the participants were active before the training event, however they seem more confident, more organized and being able

to record what they are doing. One of the most important outcomes of this event is that all the participants are trying to involve

other participants to implement their ideas and activities, this clearly indicate the level of trust and relationship they could build

during the training. They created groups on Facebook to keep in touch and to plan for their activities together; also they started

inviting each other to attend their activities.

International Peace Day:

September 21, 2013 – United Nations led by UNDP celebrated the International Peace

day in Iraq in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture. The celebration consists of two

main events; one of them was a press conference and the other one was a concert by

very famous musician. For those events volunteers were needed to handle:

Distribution of tickets and promotion materials (around 1000 items and tickets).

Managing the concert with more than 1000 participant.

Delivering a speech on behalf of youth.

Volunteer activities to celebrate the Peace Day.

Around 20 youth participated in distributing the tickets, over 35 managed the concert, two volunteers represented youth and about

20 events took place that day in different governorates in Iraq. The participants of the training camp were the champions of that

day, they managed things and they invited others to help.

25

Links about the Youth Training Camp 2013:

Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/youthcafee/

Page: https://www.facebook.com/IraqiYouthCafe

Twitter: @Youth_Cafe_IQ

Youth Café is a group on Facebook used since April 2013 to manage this project, the group has about 3000 members and it is growing. Most of

the members are youth activists; therefore readers of this report are encouraged to keep direct contact with youth in Iraq through this group.

With this group you can: find volunteers for your events, participants, share opportunities (training, projects…etc), promote the work of your

group or organization, directly asking youth for feedback about citrine things… and you can fine dreamers and activists from all over Iraq.

UNDP – Iraq: http://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/presscenter/articles/2013/09/02/youth-training-camp/

Photo Story: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.558608184212473&type=1

International Peace Day: http://www.flickr.com/photos/103183048@N03/with/9931448626/

http://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/presscenter/articles/2013/09/21/undp-in-iraq-teams-up-with-iraqi-oud-virtuoso-naseer-shamma-to-celebrate-peace-day/

Follow up form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1P4mGRx-bAcggmIPdmZub1YbjcZfDsKHjBBR_v2lbwtk/viewform

Training Needs Assessment Report 2013: http://www.iq.undp.org/content/dam/iraq/docs/dem-gov/UNDP-IQ-DG-youth-training-needs-2013-EN.pdf

Interesting from one of the volunteers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/youthcafee/permalink/534128116660480/

American University in Sulymaniya: http://auis.edu.iq/node/1182 - https://www.facebook.com/auis.edu.iq

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151654120984794.1073741912.366339654793&type=3

Embassy of Iraq in USA: http://www.iraqiembassy.us/in-the-news/undp-iraq-youth-training-camp

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List of Participants:

Project Management workshop Training of Trainers workshop Youth Mobilization workshop Volunteers

DILBREN SHAMO KHALAF Erbil AHMED HAMDI AL-JANABI Baghdad ALAN JALAL AHMED BARKY Sulymaniya ALI AMMIR TAHA Baghdad

ABD ALMUHSEN FADHIL Basra ALI ABDULZAHRA MAHDI Babil ALI ANMAR MUDHAFAR Mosel AMMAR ZAID MAJEED Baghdad

AHMED ALAA ALYASIRI Baghdad ALI WALID BADR Wasit ALI HATEM HAKIM Babil DHEAA AZIZ MOHAMMED Karbala

AHMED MOHAMMED HUSSEIN Sulymaniya AMAL ABDULATEEF SAADALLAH Mosel ARI JALAL BARKY Sulymaniya HAIDER AHMED JAWAD Baghdad

AHMED SALIM KATE Mothana AMANY SALEH MEJBEL ALOBAEDY Anbar CHALAK AHMED MOHAMMED Karkuk KAISER MAYTHAM ALWARDY Baghdad

EMAN HASSAN DOHAN Najaf GHUFRAN YARB ABDALJALIL Baghdad HASSANEIN HUSSEIN GHAWI Karbala MUJTABA ZUHAIR SATAR Baghdad

ENJI SHIHAB AHMED Karkuk GHUSOON JABBAR OLIWI Baghdad ISRAA YAHIA KHALID Dyala SHAHAD THEAA MAHDI Baghdad

ESSAM SAMI HANI AL-RUBAIE Basra HASANAIN ALI ABDULHASAN Babil KARRAR M. ALI ALQARTASI Wasit THU-ALFAQAR MOHAMMED Qadisia

FIRAS ABED MAHAL Anbar LUNA ABDULMALEK IBRAHIM Mosel KOVAND GORG HABEEB Mosel Trainers

GHASSAN M. SADOON Mosel MANAR HADDAD Baghdad LUBNA RAAD TAHER Baghdad ZARIN HAINSWORTH UK

GORAN OMER QARADAGHI Sulymaniya MARWAH JUMAAH YASEEN Baghdad MARWAN MUHAMMED HAZIM Sulymaniya JUSTINE ABI SAAD Lebanon

HAIDER GHANY A. WATBAN Qadisia MARWAH MOHAMMED NAJY Najaf MOHAMMED MUQDAD ALI Dyala GERMAN ROBLES OSUNA Maxico

HANA SHEHAB AHMED Mosel MOHAMMED ABDULHAMEED Baghdad MOREEN NAJEEB MARZINA Mosel ASO WAHAB AHMMED Dohok

HASSAN ABD-ALHADY AL-EGALILY Baghdad NOORA SHAKLR MAHMOOD Salahaldeen MUNEER TAHER MUSLIM Thiqar UNDP

JWAN SARBAST ALI Sulymaniya SAHIRA RADEEF SHAKIR Baghdad NOOR ADNAN HASHIM Baghdad DHAFER FADHIL HASAN Baghdad

LUMA SAFWAN Baghdad SARMAD MUDHEHER ABED Salahaldeen OMAR ABDULRAHMAN ABDULJABBAR Dyala MOHAMAD RAFIQ Karkuk

MARIAM ABDULAMEER MUHSIN Baghdad SHNOW ARIF MAROOF Karkuk OMAR HANI NAJAM Salahaldeen

MARWA MAJDI MAJEED Baghdad TAJULDEEN ADEL TAJ Babil SAIF MUSLEM HADI Najaf

MARYA JABBAR ENAD Basra

WAFAA FARIS HASSAN Baghdad

QUTAIBA SAAD RAHIM Babil

ZAINAB ABDULNASER SALMAN Babil

SALMA ABDELAZIZ ZIDANE Karkuk

ZAMAN IMAD ABDUL AMEER Mothana

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Thank you

“Thanks and appreciation to all the trainers, volunteers and participants of the Youth Training Camp. Especial

thanks to the team at the American University in Sulymaniya for hosting the event and for Al-Samy service

providing company to facilitate all the logistics.”

Dhafer Hasan / Project Officer - UNDP