Austria and UNIDO Create Digital Career Pathways for IDP Youth in Sharya Camp

From 2 to 10 February 2025, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) conducted a digital technology and entrepreneurship training programme in Sharya Camp for the internally displaced person (IDP) community. This initiative is part of UNIDO's broader project with funding from the Austrian government, “Digital technology skills to enhance employability in Iraq,” to enhance employability and self-reliance among IDPs and refugees, particularly youth and women, through digital skills and entrepreneurship development. 

The training aimed to equip participants with skills in entrepreneurship, graphic design, and social media marketing (SMM), enabling them to secure employment opportunities or launch their own businesses. Twenty participants aged 17 to 30 – 12 women and 8 men – were selected for the training in Sharya Camp. The training was the third of some similar capacity-building initiatives planned by the project.

The training programme consisted of three key components: Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), photoshop and graphic design, and SMM. 

EDP: This module was led by Newar Ameen Saleh, a specialist in regional development economics. The module introduced participants to core entrepreneurship concepts, guiding them in identifying viable business opportunities. Using Business Model Canvas, trainees learned how to develop practical business plans, manage resources, and budget for startup ventures.

Photoshop and Graphic Design: Co-facilitated by Mohammed Qasim Ali Baba, an IT specialist, and Areen Adrees Mahmood, a computer engineer and social media expert, this component focused on graphic design principles such as colour theory, typography, and layout. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops using Photoshop and Canva to learn about creating logos, marketing materials, and reusable design templates.

SMM: This was also co-facilitated by Mohammed and Areen and provided participants with skills to optimize social media accounts, plan content calendars, and conduct digital marketing campaigns. 

A key highlight of the training programme was the opportunity for top-performing participants to receive high-end laptops, enabling them to continue practicing what they have learned throughout the training in digital technology and one day start their own businesses in technology fields.

The trainers emphasized the transformative potential of the programme. Mohammed noted, “This type of training will greatly benefit the students. They are highly motivated and quick learners. I encourage them to continue refining their graphic design and marketing skills to create their own businesses in the future.”

Areen highlighted the challenges of living in displacement and the importance of digital skills in overcoming these barriers. “Many students feel trapped by their circumstances in the camp. I remind them that this training is a steppingstone to changing their lives. If they continue practicing, they can secure freelance work or establish their own ventures. I hope to see them succeed in the technology sector and improve their livelihoods.”

A graduate of the Duhok University in Computer Science, Zalal Alyas Abozet, saw this training as an essential step in becoming a full-stack developer. “I decided to participate in this class because I am also a mobile application programmer. But I need to learn graphic design to be a full-stack developer,” he explained. Zalal found the entrepreneurship component particularly valuable, noting, “Newar taught us how we could start our own business and gave us the skills to be successful.”

Zalal believes the training is an important opportunity for the IDP community. “I have many ideas for my own business, and this class is crucial for our entire community,” he stated, adding “I hope that many more people can benefit from this project, not only from Sharya Camp but from the larger community, even in Sinjar.”

Dakhil Mishko Khalil had no choice but to give up his education due to family difficulties, but he has taken on the responsibility of caring for his loved ones. “We had many problems in my family, so I could not finish school. Now, I have a job taking care of my family,” he shared. Despite his responsibilities, he remains eager to learn. “Every day I am learning something new in programming and how I can make my own business.”

A barber by profession, Dakhil recognizes the importance of digital design for growing his business. “This course was so professional and good. I know that someday I will need this design programme. My business will need this design, especially to market on social media. Designing and creating a page for social media is crucial.” His aspirations extend beyond his current location. “Now my barber shop is in Sharya, but I hope to return to Sinjar soon to open a new business. I will need these skills to promote my business.”

Abeer Ibrahim Hassan, a graduate of the College of Law at the Duhok University, found immense value in the training despite its difference from her primary field of study. “I love this training. It is my goal to develop my skill in technology. I really appreciate this chance to improve my skills,” she expressed. Having lived in Sharya for 10 years, with a family of 10 members, she sees digital skills as an essential tool for self-sufficiency. “Even if I work as a lawyer, in my extra time, I hope to work in photography and design to bring in extra income.”

Abeer highlighted the financial benefits of the training. “If someone wants a logo, they usually have to pay for this service. But with this training, I can depend on myself to create my own designs and logos. This can be additional income for myself and my family.” Abeer hopes to return to Sinjar one day if stability improves.

Reflecting on the broader significance of the training, Abeer emphasized its impact on young IDPs. “This training is important, especially for displaced youth, because we suffered a lot and lost everything. We need to develop our skills and depend on ourselves. It is difficult to find jobs during this time, but this training provides us with skills in digital design so that we can find employment more easily.”

Through this initiative, UNIDO, with support from the Austrian government, is contributing to the long-term resilience of IDPs by providing them with market-oriented skills. The programme is a crucial step toward economic empowerment, enabling participants to build sustainable futures despite the challenges of displacement. 

As UNIDO continues to expand its digital technology and entrepreneurship training, it remains committed to fostering opportunities for marginalized communities such as IDPs and refugees, supporting their integration into the digital economy and self-reliance.