From displacement to creativity: stories of hope and resilience

December 23, 2025

Collage of workers in safety gear installing solar panels and handling electronics. — Photos: UNDP Iraq \ Mahdi Al-Saadawi

The return and reintegration of displaced individuals into their communities is a critically important phase, given its dual impact on both the returnees themselves and the host communities. Returning families face significant, interconnected challenges ranging from material difficulties such as scarce job opportunities and high living costs, to social and livelihood challenges like losing their homes after destruction and the collapse of the life structure they had built over the years.

At the forefront of these challenges lies the issue of official documentation. Obtaining national identity cards remains a major obstacle in Iraq, especially for families displaced by conflict. An ID is not merely a formal document; it is the key to accessing basic rights. Without it, many are unable to obtain essential public services such as healthcare, education, and social support. This not only exacerbates their vulnerability but also hinders their integration into the communities they sought refuge in, prolonging their suffering and making the dream of returning to a normal life a distant goal.

Audience seated in plastic chairs, listening to a presenter at the front of a classroom. — Photos: UNDP Iraq \ Mahdi Al-Saadawi

In response to these challenges, the Community Reconciliation and Reintegration of Iraqis returning from Syria's Al Hol camp (CRRISA) project is being implemented through a partnership between the United Nations Development Program's Social Cohesion Program in Iraq and the Human Relief Foundation (HRF).

The project aims to empower the most vulnerable families by providing specialized vocational training and business development programs, alongside equipping them with work tools or financial grants for small businesses. Support is not limited to the economic aspect alone; it also includes providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in pursuit of building cohesive communities capable of overcoming the effects of conflict. From within this rehabilitation journey, the success stories we share today from Kirkuk Governorate have emerged.

Person in hijab and mask sewing colorful fabric on a sewing machine at a table.

Ibtisam Hamed: Threads of Hope Weaving a New Future

In her journey to find stability, Ibtisam Hamed, 41, from Salah Al-Din, moved through periods of uncertainty—first to the Al Hol Camp, then to Al Amal Camp, and finally settling in Kirkuk with her family of six sons and one daughter. After years of waiting, Ibtisam was able to solve part of her financial and economic problems, which helped open the door for her to better social integration and paved the way for a more stable future.

Ibtisam says, "My children work as workers in construction and agricultural, but work is not always available. So, I decided to learn sewing to support my family."

Person in a dark hoodie reaches toward a shelf indoors, holding a small blue object.

Thanks to a sewing training course carried out by UNDP in partnership with the HRF, Ibtisam transformed from someone with no prior knowledge of sewing into a skilled craftswoman. She now aspires to practice sewing from her home and teach her daughter the profession, especially since their agricultural area has seen growing demand for sewing services.

Ibtisam adds enthusiastically: "Thanks to this training, I have now mastered a skill that allows me to earn a stable livelihood. I hope to pass this knowledge on to my daughter as well. I feel proud and hopeful for my future and the future of my sons."

Person in neon yellow safety vest stands with arms crossed in front of solar panels.

Murad Saber: Solar energy illuminates a promising future

Murad Sabir Ismail (43), a community member from Hawija in Kirkuk and graduate of the Industrial Preparatory School in the Electricity Department, found a gateway to a brighter future in the specialized training centers for the installation and maintenance of solar energy systems.

Murad says about his experience: "This workshop added a great deal to me. Today, I have a much better understanding of how solar systems operate and how to handle them professionally."

Worker in bright safety vest by solar panels near an open door.

Murad is now eagerly looking forward to starting his own project, hoping to achieve financial independence and secure a stable income for his family through it.

Murad has not delayed in pursuing his dream; he recently began saving money from his current work as a professional technician in workshops, with the goal of renting his own workshop in his area. After the training course, he is planning to dedicate himself to the installation and maintenance of solar systems in his locality and launch his own business as soon as possible.

Murad concludes: "I am waiting for the right opportunity to open my workshop. I will work diligently and persistently to build a better future for myself and my family, relying on my new skills."

Empowering Communities Through Training

Mr. Abdul Karim Al-Obeidi, 31 years, the Livelihoods Specialist at HRF, emphasizes that "these trainings go beyond merely providing skills; they also include supplying participants with the essential equipment for their projects, such as tools for maintaining solar power systems and sewing equipment."

He adds, "Through these programs, we aim to strengthen social ties between returnees from the camps and the host community, achieve stability, and create decent job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for everyone."

About the Project

The Community Reconciliation and Reintegration of Iraqis returning from Syria's Al Hol camp (CRRISA) project supports the efforts of the Iraqi government to meet the reintegration and reconciliation needs of returnees from al-Hol camp and the most vulnerable members of the host community. The project provides socio-economic support, mental health and psychosocial services, and community-based peacebuilding activities, while also engaging with government counterparts to strengthen national mechanisms for reconciliation and sustainable reintegration.

This story demonstrates the sustainability of the livelihood outcomes achieved under the CRRISA project, with generous support from USAID, EU, Italy, Sida, and the Netherlands. Farah's business continues to operate successfully and grow independently, reflecting the lasting impact of the support provided.

To date, 4,738 beneficiaries have been engaged in socio-economic interventions, including the provision of vocational toolkits, grants for small businesses, and MHPSS.

The stories of Ibtisam and Murad represent an inspiring model of how challenges can be transformed into opportunities, demonstrating the power of human will to create a better future.