Rummanah is a sub-district on the north side of the Euphrates River, in western Anbar, Iraq. Controlled by ISIL from mid-2014 until November 2017, community members from the area are still healing from displacement, turmoil, and trauma experienced throughout this period.

To ensure returnees to the area and remaining community members are supported, UNDP and local partner World Vision Iraq, supported by the Government of Japan, are providing a combination of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and livelihoods assistance. Through this integrated approach, sustainable solutions ensure that community resilience is enhanced, preventing the “push factors” that can lead to joining extremist groups, such as lack of employment and income. 

Several factors influence unemployment, including lack of educational background, vocational training opportunities, and available positions, among others. Various interventions by UNDP in Iraq have proven time and time again that there is no lack of motivation among youth if they have proper access to opportunity. In the small community of Rummanah, Anbar, young people have demonstrated motivation and willingness to work hard to improve their futures.

A group of nine young participants who have received vocational training on water installations have joined together to open a private office to provide a wide array of services, including establishment and repair of water networks. Partnering with a local plumbing and electricity expert, the group rented and renovated a space and purchased equipment and office necessities with a stipend provided following their training.