2025 Programme

Skills for Life

Equipping youth aged 18–40 in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq with the technical and life skills to build sustainable livelihoods.

See the 2025 impact
The Programme

Skills that build sustainable livelihoods

Skills for Life equips youth aged 18–40 in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq with the technical and life skills needed to build sustainable livelihoods. Implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs’ Directorate of Labor and Vocational Training, the programme combines market-driven vocational training with essential life skills to help participants secure safe, dignified employment or income-generating activities — and create more stable, prosperous futures for themselves and their families.

Skills for Life empowers young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive in the Kurdistan Region’s evolving labour market.
SEED training and capacity-building session
How it works

Two pillars, one pathway to work

8

Life-Skills Sessions

Cognitive, social and emotional skills for work and life.

Cognitive skills

Self-awareness, empathy, critical and creative thinking, decision-making, problem-solving.

Social skills

Effective communication, collaboration, healthy relationships.

Emotional skills

Stress management, resilience, self-regulation.

30–45

Days of Vocational Training

Market-relevant, practical skills across a wide range of trades, including:

SewingElectrical & solar powerIT & computer skillsElectronics repairGraphic designMarketing & social media managementHandicrafts and more

Through hands-on, group-based learning, participants gain the confidence and skills to navigate real-world challenges and pursue safe, dignified, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

2025 Impact Highlights

Real results across the region

Implemented across Garmian, Halabja, and Sulaimani.

young people strengthened their job readiness and life skills
%
reported improved technical skills
%
felt more confident in applying their new skills
%
demonstrated stronger understanding of core life skills
Voices

Building skills, confidence & new beginnings

Graphic design and computer course
“Graphic design is a highly sought-after skill in today’s market. This course gave me the tools to launch my own Instagram page and create content to promote myself as a freelancer.”
— Bayan* Skills for Life Graduate · Graphic Design, Halabja
Solar energy course
“They taught us so much about our psychology — things we never reflected on before. The importance of mental health, and how we manage everyday situations.”
— Ahmed* Skills for Life Graduate · Electricity & Solar Power

Skills for Life, Skills for Work

Participants said the Life Skills sessions made them more self-aware, confident, and better equipped to handle challenges at work, at home, and in their communities. The supportive environment encouraged dialogue, strengthened connections, and helped youth realise their strengths. Through Skills for Life, young people in Halabja are gaining the tools they need for employment, entrepreneurship, and long-term well-being — building a strong foundation for their future economic participation.

Skills for Life empowers young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive in the Kurdistan Region’s evolving labour market.

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