Facilitating Sinjar's Sustainable Future Through Youth Empowerment

When it comes to rebuilding the Yazidi community, youth empowerment is a vital component in the process of creating more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable communities.

Following ISIS’s invasion in Sinjar in 2014, Khairi spent 5 years in Khanke camp. His expectations for the future were abruptly put on hold, but he never lost sight of his motivation to improve and keep learning. This is why he joined the JWL program, Diploma in Liberal Studies, in Khanke camp.

"We live in disadvantaged conditions and have very limited opportunities. It was an excellent opportunity for me to further my knowledge and gain more skills and competency."

Khairi returned to Sinjar in 2019 after completing his JWL certificate. He saw the JWL Sunini center opening as an opportunity to further his education, so he applied for a bachelor's degree in sustainable development.

"I am very motivated to learn more, improve my skills, and further my education to be able to serve my community better. When we start to study new topics and learn more about the world around us, we're keen to learn about solutions to future issues like climate change."

Khairi adds, "This program has helped hundreds of people in my community improve their English language abilities and acquire new skills. Many young people in my community require academic support to improve their lives and contribute to the rebuilding of their community.“

Nadia’s Initiative is working with JWL to open and run two learning centers in Sinjar and Sinuni to improve access to higher education for Yazidi youth.