Building Stronger Communities from Within

The Issue

In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), Syrian refugees, internally displaced persons and vulnerable host communities face numerous challenges, including limited access to quality education, mental health support, job opportunities, and basic protection services. Local civil society organizations, like DCA’s partner Judy Organization for Relief and Development (JORD), often lack sufficient resources and training.

As a result, they struggle to respond effectively to the needs of their communities.

The Project

JORD launched the Tamkeen Project, with support from DCA and the Church of Sweden. The project focuses on two main goals: strengthening JORD’s capacity to operate independently and as a civil society organization and providing direct support to vulnerable communities.

These goals are achieved through educational programs – such as remedial classes and support for school dropouts – along with psychosocial support for children and caregivers, vocational training, and job readiness programs. The project also supports community events and provides awareness sessions on a wide range of topics, including child protection, hygiene, and digital safety.

The Change

Through the Tamkeen Project, children, youth, and adults from refugee, internally displaced, and host communities gained access to education and vocational training. They also received psychosocial support and took part in awareness sessions that helped them understand their rights, cope with challenges, protect themselves and others, and make informed decisions about their futures. The project further promoted interaction and cooperation among diverse groups, fostering a sense of unity and resilience.

At the same time, JORD received training that improved internal systems, built the capacity of its staff, and further deepened trust within the community.

The Results

Throughout the project life, JORD have advanced its institutional and programmatic capacity through policy development, governance improvements, and strategic planning. Key achievements have included updating core policies, adopting environmental and staff wellbeing frameworks, and delivering targeted training on governance, leadership, and technical skills.

Programmatically, the initiative have strengthened education, child protection, awareness, community engagement, and livelihoods support. Vocational training and job preparedness activities were tailored to local labor market needs, reinforcing JORD’s ability to deliver quality services and expand operations, including establishing a presence in northeast Syria.

The Partner

DCA Iraq works together with Judy Organization for Relief and Development (JORD). JORD was established in 2012 by six Syrian refugees who wanted to help members of their community and has since grown to support several vulnerable communities in Erbil and Dohuk. JORD and DCA have since 2019, delivered psycho-social support, educational classes, livelihood trainings and survivor- and community-led responses.