New Perspectives in Iraq: Promoting Vocational Education and Training with the ARILA Project

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How do you manage to offer a perspective to young people in a region marked by conflict? Marius Jakl, project manager for the ARILA project shares some insights and talks about challenges, successes and personal experiences.

2024: Communication and Marketing Training, ARILA project. © Dorsch Impact

Iraq is still dealing with the long-term effects of ongoing conflicts and high unemployment, especially among the youth. The ARILA Project (Assisting Reconstruction and Improving Living Conditions in Anbar) aims to counter these challenges by providing vocational education that opens new avenues for young people. Marius Jakl told us about the project's execution, the obstacles faced, and the hopes for the future.

Could you start by explaining what the ARILA project is and what role it plays in the Anbar region of Iraq?

Certainly. The ARILA Project stands for "Assisting Reconstruction and Improving Living Conditions in Anbar." It is a project designed and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), running from November 2021 until June 2025 with. The project focuses on the Anbar province, specifically the cities of Heet, Fallujah, and Ramadi.

Our main focus is on vocational education outside the agricultural sector. In collaboration with the Bavarian Economic Education Center (bbw), we are responsible for implementing Output 2 of the project, which targets sectors such as construction, energy, and IT. Our goal is to equip 1,320 young job seekers aged 18-45, particularly women and returning displaced persons, with practical skills through short-term training programs, preparing them for the job market and connecting them with potential employers.

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In this way, we can offer young people a perspective and at the same time contribute to the reconstruction of the region.
”

Why is vocational education particularly important in the Anbar region?

Anbar has experienced significant destruction and social upheaval over the past decades. The US overthrowing Saddam Hussein in 2003, uprisings in 2007 with increased violence and extremism, and the IS occupation from 2014 to 2017, which lead to destruction and displacement, have deeply impacted the region. Infrastructure has been largely destroyed, and social cohesion has been weakened.

Unemployment among young people is around 50 percent. Similar to Germany, not everyone can attend university, and trades and technical professions play a crucial role in rebuilding and economic development. Through targeted vocational training, we aim to provide practical skills that meet the local job market's demands. This offers young people real employment opportunities and aids in the region's reconstruction.

Achieving sustainable impact requires investments in modern training centres, partnerships with the private sector, and the creation of an education system tailored to local needs. This presents the challenge of strengthening management structures, enhancing teacher qualifications, reducing dependency on external funding, increasing state support, and expanding collaboration with the private sector. Furthermore, there is potential to raise the visibility of vocational education and better integrate it into the broader education system.

Training on electrical installation in Heet. © Dorsch Impact

How is the project being implemented on the ground, and who are your local partners?

We have developed or adapted nine vocational profiles and five soft skills modules, that are taught through 25-day short-term training programs. These include fields like digital marketing, typography design, solar installation, plumbing, vehicle maintenance, and office administration. So far, we have reached approximately 590 people through two pilot phases.

Our local partners include the Deputy Governor of Anbar, the Labor Directorate, and the Vocational Training Centre in Ramadi. Together, we work to strengthen the management and teaching capacities of these institutions. A key component is job matching: we organise job fairs where our graduates meet potential employers, facilitating a direct transition from training to employment.

Project Structure
  • Main partner: Dorsch Impact and Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (bbw) – commissioned by GIZ
  • Local partners: Deputy Governor, Labour Directorate, Vocational Training Centre of Ramadi
  • Components: Development of nine vocational profiles for short-term training, including five modules in soft skills
    • Job matching between graduates and employers
    • Capacity building with local partners through management training
    • Equipping the classrooms (workshops) with important equipment and materials for the implementation of the pilot courses and also in the longer term
  • Special measures: Engaging disadvantaged groups such as women, displaced persons and people with disabilities
    • Establishment of the Anbar Skills Development Advisory Group for the continuous adaptation of curricula to the labour market

How do you ensure that the training courses offered meet the current requirements of the job market?

At the beginning, we conducted a labour market study and surveyed local companies. Together with our partners and experts, we then developed or adapted the curricula. We have also established the Anbar Skills Development Advisory Group. This group of professionals, trainers, industry leaders and policymakers provides ongoing advice to us and ensures that our offerings remain relevant.

 

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Every job created and every new opportunity for a young person makes me feel that we are making a real difference.  
”

What motivates you?

The work is undoubtedly challenging and often intense. However, the positive impacts we see on the ground are highly motivating. Every job created and every new opportunity for a young person makes me feel that we are making a real difference. I also value the cultural experiences and the opportunity to work closely with the local community.

Of course, there are stressful periods, and the work can be very demanding. But the positive outcomes we achieve locally give me the energy to keep going.

Vocational training in beauty services, Ramadi. © Dorsch Impact

You mentioned that you place special emphasis on including disadvantaged groups. How does that work in practice?

Yes, we particularly focus on young women, returning displaced persons, and people with disabilities. We have developed specific strategies to facilitate their access to our programs, including tailored application forms and targeted communication efforts.

In practice, however, the participation of women remains a challenge. Cultural barriers and societal norms mean that fewer women than expected are able to attend our courses. Many women are not allowed to travel alone or lack family support. We are working closely with communities and families to find solutions and raise awareness about the importance of education.

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We hope that the structures and partnerships we have established will remain and continue to grow.
”
Vocational training in air condition installation in Fallujah. © Dorsch Impact

What are your main learnings from the project, and what solutions have proven effective?

A major learning is the importance of local presence. Achieving official registration and being physically present on the ground builds trust and credibility. Additionally, the vocational fields and management trainings we have developed are adaptable and could be applied in other regions or countries. Flexibility and cultural understanding are also crucial. It's important to be patient and work closely with local partners to achieve sustainable results.

How do you see the future of the ARILA project and your further work in Iraq?

I am optimistic. With successful registration and the expansion of our networks, we have laid a solid foundation for the future. Our goal is to continue our work in Iraq and initiate further projects that contribute to the country's reconstruction and development. Even when the ARILA Project eventually concludes, we hope that the structures and partnerships we have established will remain and continue to grow.

 

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