Locations
This is a story of ambition and hope, despite the harsh circumstances faced by our hero. Meet Haider Faner, 32, a technology diploma graduate and a dedicated operator at the water project in Dujail, located in the south of Salah al-Din Governorate. A government employee who suffers from polio in his right leg, Haider has found solace and purpose in his mission to provide water to the residents of his city.
"It is not easy at all, especially with my health condition and polio affecting my right side, but that didn't stop me from pursuing my dream and striving for a better future for myself and my city," Haider explains.
Work challenges and Haidar's determination
Born in 1993, Haider contracted polio at a young age, but this did not prevent him from chasing his dreams. He was appointed as a pump worker in the water project. Although this profession demands a strong physical build and high technical skills, he has shown that determination and willpower can overcome any challenge. Haider has gained fame as a unique story in the city, working hard to facilitate water delivery to its residents despite his disability. He has received numerous letters of appreciation and honors for his outstanding work over the years from various government departments.
With UNDP Training
Haider was fortunate to attend a training course with his colleagues, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on the operation of water stations. He considers this training crucial for his work: “I am very happy to have attended this training because it is at the heart of my work on the project.” This was his first training with the program, which consisted of theoretical and practical components.
During the training, Haider and his colleagues were taken to the water station for hands-on experience. Despite being disabled, he was the most active and understanding trainee. “There is nothing more inspiring than being in a training course that addresses my work on the project,” he adds.
Haider also recalls the difficult times during the ISIS conflict when residents had to fetch water directly from the Ishaqi River. Water was scarce, and the pumps were not available with the necessary technology, while the water was not sanitized due to a lack of purification materials. He reflects, “I felt a deep sadness seeing the destruction in our areas, but I knew we needed to rebuild and enhance development, not just for ourselves but for the community as a whole.”
Today, Haider and his family are immensely proud of the difference he makes in helping people, especially as access to water has become easier, allowing agriculture to flourish with a variety of crops like oranges, pomegranates, grapes, vegetables, and tomatoes.
Haider expresses his appreciation for the training provided by the UNDP: “I feel greatly appreciated by the program for nominating me for the training. I am extremely grateful to UNDP for providing this opportunity to hone my skills and capabilities and see our positive impact in the community.” He also emphasized, "There is a need for more training in various technical fields, especially as projects expand and technology evolves.”
Despite the challenges and lack of equipment and personnel in the workplace, Haider performs his duties at the water station efficiently and accurately. The training has added numerous concepts and skills, and he finds the materials very useful and focused.
He is a living example that willpower and determination can open doors to success for anyone, regardless of the challenges they face.
About the training
The United Nations Development Program seeks to provide all transformative possibilities for the Water Sector in Iraq. With generous support from the German government, the UNDP has launched capacity-building training programs in several sectors across five liberated governorates. These training courses ensure the sustainability of UNDP's rehabilitation efforts by equipping technical staff with the skills needed to successfully operate and maintain rehabilitated equipment through the Stabilization Fund. By developing these capabilities, employees like Haider have become more familiar with modern installation and maintenance techniques, helping to enhance service delivery in the governorate.