Rezan Organization for Development, a registered Iraqi nonprofit, started in 2018 in Kurdistan amidst the turmoil caused by ISIS. Originally founded by a group of dedicated young volunteers, Rezan aimed to provide crucial aid to communities affected by conflict and displacement. Starting with fundraising efforts to address immediate needs, the organization expanded its outreach as more volunteers joined, offering support to increasingly vulnerable communities. Evolving from its roots in humanitarian aid, Rezan has reoriented its focus towards climate resilience and social protection in response to the shifting challenges facing Iraq. We are committed to effecting lasting change, prioritizing initiatives aimed at addressing the pressing issues brought on by climate change, while also aiming to enhance economic development and safeguard the most vulnerable populations. Through combined expertise from international NGOs and localized experience, Rezan endeavors to ensure that no individual or community is overlooked in their mission to build a better, more sustainable future for Iraq.
Managing a sewing workshop in Al-Khudra neighborhood, she offers services to nearby women and children. Despite being separated from her husband and having six children, she greets visitors with unwavering generosity and a constant smile.
We first met her, she applied for a grant in Al-Karama. Despite working in a sewing factory, she barely made ends meet. Unable to fill out the form at her workplace due to fear of the owner, we ended up completing it in the car. She revealed her struggles: low wages, long walks to work, and dissatisfaction with her income. Her story painted a vivid picture of resilience amidst adversity.
Her journey from grant recipient to sewing workshop owner in Al-Khudra neighborhood is nothing short of remarkable. Despite the market's male dominance, she fearlessly established her workshop among them. Initially daunted, she found courage in the camaraderie of fellow women from her training. Now, she not only feels at ease but has forged strong bonds with her market neighbors, turning them into a supportive community she can rely on. Her story embodies resilience, empowerment, and the strength of community in overcoming challenges.
She can now support herself and her children, and she can spend more time with them than before because she managed to employ a worker to help her with the work. She is optimistic, seeing her work evolving day by day. She is thinking of renting another space to add to her workshop and considering hiring more workers from the same area.
Meet a 25-year-old juggling marriage, fatherhood, and multiple odd jobs while living with extended family in Mosul. From vending street food in a bustling park to supporting his wife's grant application for a sewing project, His ambition shines through despite facing tough circumstances. His wife, battling illness, hopes to alleviate their financial strain with this new venture, recognizing his unwavering dedication despite the odds.
Picture this: We stepped into a bustling home, filled with extended family members, including his parents, siblings, and a paralyzed uncle. Even amidst the chaos, it was evident that his wife struggled with illness, unable to care for their children and lacking the skills for sewing work. He, recognizing the need to step up, proposed a project managed by him, leveraging his skills from a stint in a mobile phone repair shop. Selected for a grant, he dove into professional courses, emerging with a certificate in phone repair—a ticket to a brighter future and newfound employment prospects.
From street food vendor to proud owner of a phone repair and accessories shop—his journey defies expectations. With an air-conditioned haven and a chair to call his own, he's living his dream of delving into phone repair, thanks to the grant. Optimistic about his venture's success, He credits early demand to the shop's strategic location. Grateful to the organization and donor for the lifeline they've provided, he's now able to support his family and afford essential medication. His story is a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of opportunity.
Through strategic planning and dedicated efforts, Rezan has transformed a conventional urban park into a vibrant green space that embodies our commitment to sustainability. Solar Power Installation: One of the highlights of this project is the integration of solar power infrastructure within the park. Our team has installed solar panels to harness clean and renewable energy, ensuring that the park operates sustainably while minimizing its environmental impact. Tree Planting Initiative: In addition to solar power, we have undertaken an extensive tree planting initiative within the park. These newly planted trees not only enhance the park's beauty but also contribute to air purification, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
The revitalization of the park has had a profound impact on the local community. It has become a welcoming space where residents can connect with nature, enjoy recreational activities, and foster a sense of belonging. Our project exemplifies the positive change that can be achieved through collective action and community involvement.
PASSIONATE ABOUT
CLIAMTE CHANGE AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT