Empowering Syrian Refugee Students Through Practical Learning and Resilience

Introduction

In 2020, the Chawy Zanko Organization (CZO), in partnership with SPARK, launched the Economic Empowerment Programme (EEP) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, focusing on soft skills development for Syrian refugee students and new graduates.
Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program became a beacon of hope—providing youth with essential tools to strengthen employability, confidence, and resilience in a challenging job market

Project Overview

Implementation Area: Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Duration: May 11 – August 15, 2020
Target Group: 35 Syrian refugee students
Budget: $66,620
Venue: Dilshad Palace Hotel, Duhok

The program was designed to help students bridge the gap between education and employment by strengthening leadership, communication, and professional life skills.

CZO selected Dilshad Palace for its safety standards, accessibility, and comfortable learning environment—ensuring health protection, inclusion, and gender balance throughout the 10-day intensive training .

Training Design and Delivery

Over 60 hours of workshops were conducted by specialized trainers who combined expertise with empathy—linking classroom knowledge to real market needs.

Core Topics Covered:

Leadership & Public Speaking
Critical Thinking & Decision-Making
Time Management
Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution
Networking & Communication
Social & Sales Skills
CV Writing & Job Interview Skills
MS Word & Excel (Advanced)

Participants were divided into smaller, gender-balanced groups to foster inclusion and minimize COVID-19 risk. Every detail—from stationery kits to travel stipends—was designed to promote equal opportunity and active participation.

Participant Support

CZO created a safe, engaging, and professional environment by providing:

• Protective measures: Masks, gloves, and sanitizers for all participants

• Learning materials: Stationery kits and printed manuals

• Daily support: Travel cost compensation, coffee breaks, and open-buffet lunches

• Certificates: Awarded during a graduation ceremony on September 4, 2020, celebrating participants’ achievements and boosting their résumés

Outcomes and Achievements

The program achieved outstanding results — both quantitatively and qualitatively:

Students consistently described the program as “practical, transformative, and empowering.”
Three short films were also produced—highlighting program activities, testimonials, and the certification ceremony .

Success Story: Roken Ibrahim

One standout graduate, Roken Ibrahim, a law student from Duhok, secured a finance position soon after completing the training.

“I applied exactly what I learned in the training during my interview—and that’s how I got the job. The Excel training, especially, became part of my daily routine at work.”
Roken’s journey reflects the spirit of the program— learning that leads to livelihood

Lessons Learned

• Flexible management and local coordination helped overcome COVID-19 restrictions.
• Friendly, non-authoritative trainer approaches built trust and confidence among participants.
• Cultural and dialect diversity enriched the learning experience.
• Continuous feedback ensured the training stayed relevant and responsive to students’ needs

Conclusion

The EEP Soft Skills Component demonstrated that even during global crises, investing in youth potential yields lasting impact.
By combining practical skill-building, professional mentorship, and inclusive design, CZO empowered a new generation of Syrian refugee graduates to enter the workforce with confidence, competence, and purpose.

“Good atmosphere, engaging content, and caring trainers make the difference between training—and transformation.”
— CZO Project Team