CDO and SPARK’s Network of Change Initiative is aimed at empowering youth and preventing violent extremism in three cities: Chamchamal, Halabja, and Ranya. Civil Development Organization (CDO) is proud to be a partner in this impactful project, which is funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NLMFA) and implemented by SPARK. Through various campaigns and training initiatives, the project provides opportunities for young people to enhance their skills and contribute to positive change in their communities.

1. SPARK launched the “Work for Work” campaign in the cities of Chamchamal, Halabja, and Ranya. As a key partner in the campaign, CDO worked to support the development of young talents and help them secure better opportunities for a brighter future within the framework of the Change Network.

2. Civil Development Organization (CDO), in collaboration with SPARK, successfully trained 70 participants from Ranya, Halabja, and Chamchamal for the second campaign of the Networks of Change program. These dynamic individuals are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to create innovative solutions to address local challenges.

3. CDO’s partnership with SPARK has also extended to the Network of Change II initiative, which focuses on preventing violent extremism in the same three cities. The program aims to empower young people with the tools they need to resist extremism and promote peaceful change in their communities.

4. Through the Network of Change II initiative, CDO has contributed to empowering young people across Kurdistan by giving them a platform to engage with their peers, foster unity, and design impactful solutions to societal issues, including the challenge of violent extremism.

5. With the funding support from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NLMFA), the project continues to expand its efforts to prevent violent extremism and create opportunities for youth to channel their energy into community development activities.

6. The collaborative work between CDO and SPARK has provided valuable skills development workshops, capacity-building activities, and networking opportunities to the youth in the targeted cities, ensuring they are well-equipped to shape the future of their communities in a positive way.

7. The successful training and engagement of 70 participants from Ranya, Halabja, and Chamchamal reflects the enthusiasm and determination of the youth in Kurdistan to address societal challenges and work together to build a peaceful, sustainable future for their communities.