Our work in Iraq
Tearfund began working in Iraq following the Gulf War in 1991. Throughout both Gulf wars, we supported local partners in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Our work is growing in the south of Iraq and is guided by a commitment to serving individuals, families, and communities as they rebuild their lives after years of conflict.
We focus our efforts on helping low-income families to lift themselves out of poverty. We want to do more than just help people who are hurting. We want to give them hope and help them get back to a thriving life where they can support their families. We do this by working with local partner organisations, including local churches, to bring hope and transformation.
Because the challenges of life in Iraq are connected, we work in several crucial areas. Here are some of the ways we support our partners to help their communities:
- Promoting peace and healthy social relationships.
- Helping people find good jobs.
- Helping communities deal with the climate crisis, which can push people further into poverty.
- Raising awareness of how to manage their water supply and use climate-smart farming techniques.
- Helping women and young people learn new skills so they can find gainful employment and break free from poverty.
Crisis to resilience
Iraq is prone to natural and man-made hazards including droughts, floods, and earthquakes. Tearfund is committed to preparing communities and churches to respond and recover from disasters. Our vision is to see resilient, hope-filled communities equipped and empowered to prepare for and respond to the crises they face.
Environmental restoration
The people of Iraq are suffering from the devastating effects of the climate crisis. Communities face mounting challenges, including limited access to water, desertification, and a lack of rainfall.
The climate crisis is multiplying existing tensions and conflicts. Tearfund is helping people to become more resilient through practical solutions. This includes promoting smart agriculture techniques and supporting the use of renewable energy options.
Promoting peace
Conflict has left deep hurt and divisions between different religious groups. We’re expanding our projects that build peace and bring people together. We do this by coming alongside local churches and encouraging them to solve problems in their communities to prevent community conflict.
Work opportunities
We create opportunities for young people and women who are unemployed to find work and provide for themselves. We do this by partnering with businesses and donors to create projects that provide income and jobs. With the skills training and business knowledge they gain, they can lift themselves out of poverty and into a thriving life.
Working with local organisations
Lasting change requires local leadership and expertise. We believe we are stronger when we work with local organisations to make a difference.
We bring local groups together to solve shared problems and learn from one another. This partnership approach ensures our projects are effective and follow best practices.
Some of our partners are organisations led by women who are working to stop violence against women by offering support, advocating for change, and helping women become leaders. We help our partners with their women’s centers, inclusion programs, and projects that empower survivors of violence to earn a living.
Working with the Women’s Empowerment Organisation, we’re also running a project called ‘Empower Women for Climate Resilience’. This project helps women turn the challenges of the climate crisis into opportunities, allowing them to create positive change in their communities.
