Youth Leadership
In 2003, ASK organized youth camps in three provinces: Dohuk, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah. ASK was responsible for selecting participants, designing the camp curriculum, and developing a strategy to engage young people in public life. The project incorporated relevant United Nations documents. The program included selecting participants aged 17-22, distributing educational materials, holding a three-day camp, and jfacilitating a one-year volunteer placement with local NGOs. The initiative was highly successful, with many participants later becoming political leaders, founding civic organizations, and serving as members of parliament and ministers. Further details about the participants and the program can be found in the reports below.
Arbil participants
The names of the participants from Arbil are available in this file.
Erbil Youth Survey - May 24, 2004
The Erbil Youth Survey collected feedback on youth experiences during lectures. Positive remarks included openness, the opportunity for participants to express their opinions, and a roundtable discussion format. However, critiques mentioned the lectures being too brief, lacking field components, straying from core topics, and the absence of detailed reports. There was also occasional participant absenteeism. The feedback suggests improvements to enhance future programs’ structure and content.
Participation Report: Sulaymaniyah
The report summarizes Ashte Hama Salih’s involvement in community activities in Sulaymaniyah, focusing on collaboration and engagement in local initiatives for development and awareness.
Monthly Report: Youth Training Project (January 2004)
In January 2004, Mr. Iyad collected 80 applications in Duhok for a youth training project. Discussions at ASK headquarters focused on contract writing. A review of 60 applications from Erbil revealed misunderstandings, but some had relevant backgrounds. Eligible candidates were invited for interviews, and the project at the Zewa Center for Street Children included weekly democracy training sessions.
Monthly Report: Youth Training Project (29/01/2004 - 31/01/2004)
Mr. Iyad Khalid attempted to meet with a cultural center director in Sulaymaniyah but was unsuccessful. However, he later traveled to Duhok, where he met with the accepted participants of the youth training project. A suitable venue for the sessions was provided by one of the participants at the Zewa Center for Street Children. The project was introduced, and the participants were informed about its objectives, with a focus on democracy and civil society training. Weekly sessions were scheduled to take place every Wednesday afternoon to accommodate the participants’ educational and work commitments.
Quarterly Report: Youth Training Program
This report outlines a 9-month youth training initiative aimed at promoting civil society and democratic values. It includes the distribution of application forms, selection of 45 participants from three provinces, and comprehensive training on democracy, civil rights, and community engagement, culminating in a collaborative workshop.
Participant Report: Youth Training Program by Aso Ali Faraj
As a young journalist, my goal in this program was to learn about democracy, civil society, and individual rights. I noticed significant changes in my thinking and skills, benefiting from engaging lectures and collaborative workshops with participants from different provinces. I hope for more opportunities to contribute to future ASK projects, as I believe my skills can further develop with additional experiences.
Monthly Activities Report - August 2004
Mr. Rebin Rasul visited Sulaymaniyah on August 3 and 9, meeting with local leaders at the Badlisi Cultural Center to prepare a youth training project for monitoring the upcoming Iraqi elections. Discussions included collaboration with NDI and establishing a partnership with the Ministry of Relations and Cooperation to exchange information and provide quarterly reports. A project proposal for the election monitoring initiative was also drafted for submission to NDI.
Feedback from Basna Abdullah Ali
Impressions of the Course:
Basna viewed the course as positive, highlighting its focus on talent development and cooperation in a friendly atmosphere.
Benefits Gained:
She learned collaboration, self-reliance, and how to understand herself and others, along with strategies for handling various situations.
Letter Summary: Commitment to ASK Organization
Berman Jamal Tawfiq expresses gratitude for his involvement with the ASK Organization, reflecting on his growth in understanding human rights and youth education through a recent workshop. He acknowledges his initial lack of knowledge but emphasizes the valuable insights he has gained. Berman reaffirms his commitment to supporting the organization’s goals and expresses eagerness to continue contributing to its initiatives in Duhok.
Summary of Delman Jamal’s Participation in the Youth Training Program
Delman Jamal discusses his experience in the youth training program organized by ASK, noting that before joining, he and others aspired to achieve Kurdish rights with only a basic understanding of democracy and civil society. The training enhanced his knowledge of democracy, elections, and human rights, emphasizing that everyone should be aware of their rights and free from discrimination based on religion, language, or ethnicity. Delman expresses a desire to promote these concepts and contribute to the development of human rights and civil society in Kurdistan.
Summary of Omed Center’s Report to ASK
The Omed Center for Treatment & Educating Adolescents reports that a staff member began her role on August 1, 2004, successfully completing her application process. She actively engaged with children in art courses and group therapy sessions, implementing all program elements by September 15, 2004. The administration expresses appreciation for the collaboration.
Summary of PSETC Report
The PSETC Center, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, reports on the ongoing support for the youth from August 1 to September 15, 2004. The center has focused on providing guidance and assistance to participants, ensuring they receive proper training and support in daily activities. The report emphasizes the importance of the program in facilitating effective learning and development for the youth.
General Overview of PAO Report
The Popular Aid Organization (PAO) report, dated September 16, 2004, highlights the involvement of its members in projects related to democracy and community development. It emphasizes the organization’s commitment to fostering democratic values and improving community engagement through practical activities. The report underscores the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in efforts to promote social welfare and effective participation in civic initiatives.
Summary of ASK Workshop Report
The report highlights the benefits of the American Society for Kurds (ASK) workshop held in Duhok from February to June 2004, focusing on youth engagement in democracy, human rights, and women’s rights. Participants enhanced their skills through discussions, project writing, and hands-on experience at Ziwa Center. The initiative fostered valuable connections among youth, and the report suggests expanding the program to include more participants and diverse topics.
Duhok Participants
The names of the participants from Duhok are available in this file.
Monthly Feedback on the ASK Workshop by Imad Rasul
The ASK workshop provided a unique learning experience, featuring relevant and engaging topics that are beneficial for participants. The program included practical applications in cultural or scientific institutions, enhancing the overall value of the training.
Overall, the workshop successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the organization’s efforts, and there is a strong desire for more programs like this, especially to support the Kurdish community.: Youth Training Project (29/01/2004 - 31/01/2004)
Feedback on the ASK Project by Hewar Rahim
Participating in the ASK project greatly enhanced my understanding of democracy and problem-solving. The lectures were impactful, boosting my confidence to engage in discussions. I believe frequent initiatives like this are essential for youth development. Thank you to the Badlisi Center and your organization for this opportunity.
Feedback on the ASK Project by Huda Saber Zangana
The ASK course provided valuable insights into civil society and human rights, fostering meaningful discussions. However, some participants’ lack of commitment hindered the experience. I hope to collaborate with others to create a cultural center for youth to develop their skills and connect with the community.
Feedback on the ASK Project by Emad Rasul
As a participant in the ASK course, I found it innovative in its approach to lectures and topics, which were relevant and beneficial. The practical application aspect allowed us to engage meaningfully with the material. I believe if we apply what we’ve learned, we can become effective contributors to society. I hope the organization continues its vital work in educating our community.
July 2004 Activity Report by ASK Organization
A meeting in Sulaymaniyah was held by Aribeen Rasul, Ayad Khalid, and Bakhtiyar Mustafa to plan the next year’s project. Aribeen also attended a coordination meeting with local organizations.
Ayad Khalid visited Duhok to place youth participants with civil organizations for the project’s practical phase. Diakonia agreed to host volunteers, while the Civil Rights Organization declined due to limited resources.
Names of Youth Participants in Sulaymaniyah
The names of the youth participants from Sulaymaniyah are available in this file.
Nasim Sadiq Report
The (ASK) organization’s course in Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah focused on training youth for work in organizations. It included lectures, workshops, and practical training. Participants gained valuable insights into human rights and social issues, enhancing their ability to positively contribute to society.
Workshop Program Overview (June 19-21, 2004, Erbil)
The three-day workshop covered key topics like youth empowerment, human rights, media freedom, diversity, and women’s participation in public life.
Each day featured:
Lectures by experts.
Group discussions and presentations.
Evening social gatherings.
The event aimed to provide practical knowledge and foster collaboration among participants.