Meet Our Child Protection Officer, Mohammed Ali: “Seeing the positive changes in children’s lives is the best part of my job.”
Meet Mohammed Ali, our dedicated Child Protection Officer, collaborating with UNHCR to bring a personal touch to conflict resolution in his work. “I was just three years old when my family and I were internally displaced due to fears of bombings in our city. My grandfather, a well-known Peshmarga, was wanted by Iraq, which led my family to seek refuge in Iran.”
Mohammed's journey to The Lotus Flower began when he was a volunteer for two years in NGOs. “I heard about a small NGO that has done outstanding work; they coordinated with many other NGOs, including the one I worked with. He joined The Lotus Flower in July 2022;
“The Lotus Flower appreciated my volunteering experience and hired me.”
Mohammed holds a degree from the College of Basic Education, English Department, at the University of Duhok. In his current role, he works on the child protection project in collaboration with UNHCR, delivering essential services in refugee camps and urban areas across Duhok Governorate, including locations such as Zakho, Batifa, Akre, Daratoo, Amedi, Khrab Babke, and their suburbs. The project extends its reach beyond camps, also providing services in areas such as Batifa, Akre, Daratoo, Amedi, Khrab Babke, and their suburbs.
“My work involves providing transformative services for children, whether they are recreational, educational, or protective,” Mohammed shares.
An aspect of his position that may not be widely recognised involves empowering refugees in areas outside of camps to participate in awareness campaigns and initiatives. Mohammed also supports government entities in integrating child protection practices, enhancing their staff's knowledge and skills, and establishing a pool of trainers within each entity to address internal gaps and challenges.
“One woman participant in our parenting skills programme had protection concerns for her child. The Lotus Flower provided the necessary support, and she then became involved in community outreach as a volunteer. Eventually, she participated in our Cash for Work project and secured a job with another NGO!”
In a reflection on his journey, Mohammed shares, 'Starting from an entry-level position, I now lead an important aspect of one of our largest projects at The Lotus Flower.' Looking back to 2022, I am grateful for how far I’ve come and excited to see where my career will take me next.”
In the future, Mohammed hopes to help build a community with the capacity and resilience to address protection concerns. Outside of work, he enjoys football and is a passionate coffee lover, showcasing his expertise in brewing espresso, latte art, and creating unique coffee blends!