Our ‘Cash for Work’ team transform local sites

If you follow us on social media, you’ll probably have seen our ‘Cash for Work’ initiative in action – which is providing paid short-term employment for 200 young women and men locally.

The project, supported by BMZ and implemented by GIZ and ourselves, is addressing immediate economic needs, while also helping preserve and restore ancient sites and mitigating against climate change threats. It’s taking place In Duhok and Ninewa governorates, with 40 days of paid work for each of the 200 participants.

One of the activities is called ‘Art can change climate change,’ and has seen giant murals painted on public walls by creative participants in order to raise awareness about environmental risks.

Speaking of the Cash for Work programme, our Regional Director Vian says: “This project is important not only because it offers job opportunities, but because it allows young people to demonstrate their abilities and skills.”

In an effort to preserve local culture, another group is helping the Directorate of Antiquity in restoring two historic castles, Kambalan and Dilbe. By undertaking this work, they are not only preserving such monuments for the enjoyment of future generations, but also safeguarding the collective memory of the city’s rich heritage and history.

Another major project activity aims to help combat climate change and strengthen community resilience through an afforestation campaign across Duhok governorate and Ninewa plain. Thousands of fruit trees are being planted, expanding green zones and areas of shade, while also helping increase the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The trees will additionally help boost food security, offering a promise of future harvest as well as a tangible symbol of resilience and sustainability for the community.

Meanwhile, another group of newly graduated women and youths are working in public nurseries, with thousands of seedlings planted to support the local environment, and create greener, more sustainable community spaces for the city. Through this work, the participants are also increasing their practical knowledge and hands-on agricultural skills, which in turn will prepare them for employment opportunities.

Complementing these activities, a big cleaning campaign is also underway, targeting public areas such as schools, markets and parks. The clean-up aims to increase awareness of the climate change challenges faced by Iraq and the need to better care for our planet. Participants are not only improving the visual look of their community, but their actions are showing others the importance of collectively taking care of our environment.

It’s great to see the positive impacts being made and the visible changes to these landmarks and natural environments…