Issue #2, MaY 31, 2011

Continuing the Momentum for Positive Change

AED, with support from the U.S.

Embassy in Baghdad successfully
implemented a four-day conference
and reunion for participants of the
2010 Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange
Program.

The conference activities were held in

Erbil, Iraq on April 28-May 2, 2011.
The attendees included AED staff,
AED‟s local consultants, and 4 IYLEP
university staff, representing Virginia
Commonwealth University and
University of Massachusetts,
Amherst.

All were brimming with enthusiasm

to greet the 40 of the 48 participants
from 2010 who traveled far and wide
to participate in the conference;
including all 5 students from Basrah!

Many of the students had not seen

each other since the day they said
goodbye, some 8 months earlier.

The reunion allowed the opportunity for students to re-connect with one another, demonstrate how IYLEP has impacted their lives, as well as
provide updates on how their lives have changed and developed since their departure from the U.S. last August.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2011

Highlights from the IYLEP Reunion
Embassy Alumni Opportunities Jeffrey Lodermeier, Cultural Affairs
Office, Embassy of the United States, Baghdad

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2011
The Impact You Made on Our Communities Formal Welcome by AED,
Universities, & special guests. Video updates from host universities
The Importance of NGO Work in Iraq & Small Changes You Can Do
That Make a Big Difference in Your Community Keynote Address by
Walid A. Alwan, Iraqi Charities Forum
Start Small, Dream Big Select 2009 & 2010 Alumni present on their
follow-on activities since their participation in IYLEP
Formal Welcome Reception Hosted in the students‟ honor; attendees
included Iraqi NGO leaders, local professors, university staff, IYLEP
2009 alumni, as well as other alumni that have participated in U.S.
Embassy–sponsored Iraq programs.
Scholarship Opportunities Available to Iraqi Students Maha K. Kareem
& Maha N. Mahdi, Higher Committee for Education Development
(HCED)
Applying to Colleges in the US Dr. Mike Hannahan, University of
Massachusetts, Amherst
Applying What We Have Learned University of Massachusetts,
Amherst (Public Policy) and Virginia Commonwealth University (Social
Media) alumni meet with their individual institute staff
„Pot-Luck‟ style dinner with alumni & their local family members
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2011
Alumni & staff attend full-day cultural excursion and team building day
in Rawanduz (scenic mountains & canyons)

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 IYLEP Bulletin Issue #2, May 31, 2011

NGO Connections and Opportunities for Volunteerism

IYLEP alumni often return to Iraq inspired to apply what they have learned in the U.S. to starting small
projects and volunteering in their communities. However, while some have certainly spearheaded
amazing initiatives, many often become discouraged by the lack of volunteer opportunities (or
knowledge of those opportunities) in their communities. Working to address this need, AED recruited
Mr. Walid A. Alwan from Iraqi Charities Forum, a Baghdad-based NGO that acts as an umbrella
organization, which in addition to running its own microfinance projects, provides training and advice “I contacted the Women’s
to NGOs in the area of capacity building. Mr. Alwan provided a keynote address and facilitated Empowerment Organization
conversation on “The Importance of NGO Work in Iraq & Small Changes You Can Do That Make a Big
Difference in Your Community.” that you told me about and
they agreed that I will
The discussion focused on the need and importance of NGO work in Iraq and how students can initiate
sustainable, realistic change in their home communities. Throughout the reunion, students were manage their website for the
encouraged to pursue volunteer work in their communities, as a way to help transfer the knowledge moment and initiate their
gained in IYLEP to those who need it most.
social media presence. They
In order to enable the students, AED reached out to numerous Iraqi NGOs based in various might ask me to do some
governorates, in order to find those that were most interested in receiving IYLEP alumni as volunteers.
As a result of those connections made, a resource list was created of volunteer opportunities by
other things in the future
governorate, featuring local NGOs in 9 different governorates whom had expressed interest in having such as conducting
IYLEP alumni volunteer in their office or in the field. Given the varied interests and majors of the
IYLEP students, an array of organizations and activities that were most relevant to the students were
workshops in business and
identified and provided at the reunion. marketing, leadership, or
social media. I might also
Many of the students expressed their enthusiasm for this resource, which identified the appropriate
person at each organization to contact for volunteer activities. Such a list is difficult to find in Iraq, as help them in all things
websites often are infrequently updated, and it is difficult to distinguish which NGOs are still active, related to computers, such as
and which have closed down their operations.
making PowerPoint
presentations, training their
staff and beneficiaries, and
so on. I met with them twice
already and they asked me to
come in once a week”.

(Ali, IYLEP 2010 Alumnus, Erbil)

Organizations Featured on the Resource List

 Baghdad Women‟s Association
 Iraqi Al-Amal Association
 Iraqi Charities Forum (ICF)
 Harikar NGO
 Kurdistan Organization of Animal Rights
Protection (KOARP)
 The Iraq Independent Human Rights Society
 Women Empowerment Organization (WEO)

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 Issue #2, May 31, 2011
IYLEP Bulletin

Academic & Professional Growth

Students were thrilled for the opportunity to meet with

Mr. Jeffrey Lodermeier, with the Cultural Affairs Office
at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, who traveled to Erbil
to discuss Embassy Alumni Opportunities. The students
were very engaged in this discussion, and shared that
more than a few of them had already applied for some
of the small grants that the Embassy offers to start-up
alumni projects, including two student groups whom
have already won them.

The group also enjoyed a presentation from Maha K.

Kareem from the Higher Committee for Education
Development (HCED), who provided information
about HCED scholarships for Iraqi students to study in
the United States and United Kingdom, and a session on
graduate school application and admissions process by
Dr. Michael Hannahan, Program Director for the Public
Policy Institute at the University of Massachusetts at
Amherst and former trainer for the U.S. Embassy in
Baghdad – sponsored Iraq Higher Education Advising
Network. Zainab, 2010 Alumna from Basrah poses above with Jeffrey Lodermeier from the U.S.
Embassy in Baghdad

Networking & Team Building

A formal welcome reception on Friday evening provided IYLEP students the opportunity to mingle with alumni from other programs and network
with a wide range of guests, including Iraqi NGO leaders, local professors and university staff, IYLEP 2009 alumni, as well as other alumni that have
participated in U.S. Embassy Baghdad-sponsored programs.

The last day of the conference was reserved for a group excursion and team-building exercise in Rawanduz, a scenic destination in Erbil governorate
with waterfalls, mountains, and canyons. For almost all of the southern Iraqis, this was their first time seeing this part of the country.

2010 Alumni from Basrah, Babylon, Erbil, Kirkuk, and Sulaymaniyah spell out I.YL.E.P. during a group
excursion to Rawanduz

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 IYLEP Bulletin Issue #2, May 31, 2011

Impact of IYLEP

While much focus is often given to the

impact the IYLEP program has had on its
Iraqi participants, and subsequently on
their home campuses and communities,
it is also noteworthy to recognize the
significant mark that these Iraqi young
leaders make on the American
communities and individuals they
interact with while in the U.S.

One shining example of the people-to-

people connections that have been built
through IYLEP is the story of Andrew
Spreadbury, a bus driver from
Pennsylvania who drove the 2009 IYLEP
Public Policy delegation from
Washington, D.C. to Amherst,
Massachusetts at the beginning of their
program.

“The sun rose on July 9, 2009 much as it

does on any other day, and I was not Andrew, left center, visits with IYLEP 2009 alumni Banu, Lanka, and friends in Sulaymaniyah,
expecting the events of that day to have Iraq
a profound impact on my life. What
started out as a rather routine sort of day
quickly turned into a fascinating,
stimulating and life-changing interaction
with these fine young people. Although
these students and I are separated by so
many things, there was something
special about that day that forged a “Thank you, IYLEP for the valuable work you are doing. The young people
friendship and affection between us”.
I met are already demonstrating great leadership skills. I count it as one of
From that brief initial contact,
friendships developed and Andrew kept
my greatest privileges to know them and to have visited the Republic of Iraq.
in touch with several members of the They are fine ambassadors” (Andrew Spreadbury).
group from Sulaymaniyah. Upon their
return to Iraq, alumni told him of their
work with the Xanda (Smile) Project, and
Andrew conducted several fundraising
events through his local church
congregation to contribute to the
students' efforts.

“They told me about a project they were involved in at Hiwa Hospital. Concerned to encourage very sick children, they were determined to transform
a derelict building into a wonderful children‟s play room. It is now a first-class facility that would enhance any hospital in the world”.

In April, 2011, Andrew personally traveled to Sulaymaniyah to visit his now friends and participate in the opening of the children's play center at
Hiwa Hospital.

“I was so impressed with these young men and women that I had to go to Sulaymaniyah to see it for myself and learn more about them and their
country. So on April 12, 2011 I arrived for a week‟s visit... on the last day of my visit I went to see Hiwa Hospital. The corridors and rooms were full of
sick adults and children. As a parent I felt able to identify with those parents whose children lay seriously ill. Although we couldn‟t communicate
with words, we shared a common concern and compassion that every parent has when any child is sick. And then we went to the room these students
had worked so hard to transform. It is absolutely magnificent! Cheerful bright colors, new furniture, books, toys, games, soft toys, cartoon characters
and other resources provide a friendly, safe and fun environment for sick children that is second to none. The finished room testifies to the
considerable commitment and thoughtfulness given to this project”.

“And so it was with great regret that I left Sulaymaniyah. I learned so much from being with these students; I cannot speak highly enough of this
group of young people. Thank you, IYLEP for the valuable work you are doing. The young people I met are already demonstrating great leadership
skills. I count it as one of my greatest privileges to know them and to have visited the Republic of Iraq. They are fine ambassadors” (Andrew
Spreadbury).

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 Issue #2, May 31, 2011
IYLEP Bulletin

Where Are They Now?

“Xanda (Smile) Project” Banu, Bawan, Guli,

Kazhaw, Lanka, Sham, Shilan, Rezheen, and Vian, all 2009
IYLEP Alumni, who participated in the Public Policy and
Science & Technology institutes worked together on this
project at Hiwa Hospital in Sulaymaniyah.

“Two years ago, we did a charity project for the homeless

people in Massachusetts as part of the Public Policy
program. We were very happy to ask people for money and
food to donate to the Amherst Survival Center; many of us
had a feeling that this should happen in Iraq as well. When
we came back to Iraq, Guli had a very good idea; she told
us to collect money for children who have cancer that live
in Hiwa Hospital” (Banu).

The group started this project very simplistically; visiting

the children in the hospital, bringing them gifts, candies,
and having small parties for them, as a way to cheer the Shilan, Kazhaw, Banu, Lanka, Sham, and Guli some of the leaders of the
children up. “It wasn‟t for buying them medicine…but Xanda Project pose for a group photo
rather for making them realize that life is not all about
painful chemotherapy…but that life also has an unfamiliar
part for them, which they are completely unaware of; a
smile” (Bawan).

After visiting the hospital a couple of times, talking to the

children and nurses, the students were able to get a better
idea of some of the needs of the hospital and ways that
these children‟s lives could be improved.

“From this point on, everyone tried to collect money from

friends, family, and governmental offices. We collected
$12,000 USD total! Not only IYLEP alumni participated, but
we also got students from all the universities in
Sulaymaniyah to help us collect money for the hospital.

Then, we asked some students from the College of Art in

Sulaymaniyah University to paint some cartoons and
murals on the wall of the hospital, just to make the children
smile and give them some happiness. Before Ramadan Eid
of 2010, we held a small party for the children in the “Following a trip to the United States, a young girl’s power and
hospital. We bought cakes, presents, and clothes for them; strength gets moved and shaken to realize the needs of her
at least we could make them smile, which was our hope.
nation”(Bawan, IYLEP 2009 Alumnus, Sulaymaniyah).
Our next undertaking was to build a play room for the
children in the hospital. We faced many money problems,
as we needed to buy the furniture and toys to put inside the
room. To solve this problem, we approached a local
company to help us, Qiwan Group Company. We had some
meetings with them and discussed our project and issues.
They were very happy to help us after they knew that we
were very excited to help those innocent children; they
bought everything that was needed for the building.

On March 15th, 2011 we had the official opening day, where

we invited all the students and people who donated to the
project to attend. Also, the children, their families, and
doctors were there as well. The children were very happy to
see everything designed nicely just for them. And we
finally could see a smile on every single one of the
children‟s faces” (Banu).

The newly-constructed play center at Hiwa Hospital pictured above

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 IYLEP Bulletin Issue #2, May 31, 2011

Where Are They Now?

“Visiting the Orphans Project” Helin, a 2010 IYLEP participant in the Public Policy institute recently contributed to a project within
her university‟s Student Union, which she joined after returning to Iraq from her participation in IYLEP last summer. While in the Public Policy
institute, Helin gained first-hand experience in fundraising, as she and the other IYLEPers collectively planned, organized, and executed a food drive
for the food pantry at the Amherst Survival Center. Below she describes how her project got started.

“The project idea, which I volunteered in, was to visit the local orphanage and bring joy to the orphans by presenting them with small gifts and
candies in celebration of Christmas and New Years. We came up with this idea during a Student Union meeting at the University of Kurdistan –
Hawler (UK-H). The project started with a group of volunteers from UK-H; students from different levels of education, supported by the Student
Union. In order for the volunteers to gain financial support from the students and university staff, we put a box for money donations near the
cafeteria”.

“When we first entered the

orphanage, all the children
came to greet and hug us. It
was obvious that they
needed to feel love, care and
compassion, which they
lost”(Helin, pictured left, IYLEP
2010 Alumna, Erbil).

“In order to promote the project and collect enough money to buy gifts for the orphans, we started to spread the idea of the project and the need for
donations by putting posters all around the university and publishing the event on the university‟s Facebook page. With the amount of money that we
collected, we bought gifts and candies, and set a date to visit the orphanage. A couple of days before Christmas, 15 student volunteers visited the
orphanage. When we first entered the orphanage, all the children came to greet and hug us. It was obvious that they needed to feel love, care and
compassion, which they lost. So far we have visited the orphanage twice and we are planning to keep visiting them from time to time and make it a
priority activity in the university”(Helin, IYLEP 2010 Alumna).

The day before the IYLEP reunion officially started in Erbil, AED and university staff were able to pay a visit to UK-H, to witness this project in action.
On this day, Helin, now head of the Women‟s Affairs Department and leading the project‟s activities at UK-H, and other student volunteers planned a
half-day event where approximately 20 children from the orphanage visited the campus for a day of fun and games. Activities included face painting,
arts & crafts, and outdoor games. More than 30 UK-H students participated in the highly successful event, including the President of UK-H. Another
similar event at the university, with an older age group of children from the orphanage, is planned to occur before the end of the school year in June.

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 Issue #2, May 31, 2011
IYLEP Bulletin

Where Are They Now?

Where are They Now?
“Development Project of the University Community”
Hadeel, a 2010 IYLEP alumna who participated in the Public Policy
Institute was part of a group of students who initiated two projects at
her university in order to tie together their studies- Architectural
Engineering- with the real-life needs of the persons for whom
buildings are constructed to serve. This provided an excellent
practical experience for students to observe the impact that building
design has on persons with disabilities, and how to best design
buildings with society‟s needs in mind.

“This project was initiated by the students of the Architectural

Engineering Department at the University of Technology-Baghdad. It
created a chance for students to think and learn about the different
needs of society and have a new perspective on the problems in our
community. It gives a clear view of the problems we have and sheds
light on the people and their needs on a more personal level.

Creating a chance for volunteer work gives both students and

professors a chance to help and feel the affect of group work and
volunteer work on the community as a whole. By getting a glimpse of
a child‟s life in an orphanage and trying to understand the need to
personalize the space for him, or by getting inside the complicated
world of an autistic child or a disabled person, this allows us to think Hadeel, a participant in IYLEP 2010’s Public Policy institute poses above
deeply about innovative ways to design their space and make life with a classmate and child at Ramy’s Center for Autistic Children in Baghdad
easier for them.

Our first visit was in February 2011 to Ramy‟s Center for Autistic
Children in Baghdad. Students from all the stages in the department
gathered along with our professors to prepare for the visit and make
all the necessary arrangements. The visit was very successful and a
great chance to see the center and its needs and the children and their
needs to try to get a different view about their lives.

Our second visit took place in March 2011; it was to Al-Sadr

Orphanage House in Baghdad, which is a private home. More
students volunteered to this visit after the success we had on the first
one and so many gifts were donated from our professors as well. It
was more like a field trip with a tour, guided by the owners and our
professors inside the house to learn about the different spaces that
the people need in such a facility.

Our next visits will be to another orphanage house and a seniors‟

center in Baghdad. We hope to get more students involved and from
different departments of the university too” (Hadeel, IYLEP 2010
Alumna).

“It’s extremely important for an architect to know

the needs of society and its problems, up close and
personal, so that they can try to find solutions as a
Ammar and his colleague, both students from the University of Technology
future leader in the re-building process”(Hadeel, visit with children at the Al-Sadr Orphanage House
IYLEP 2010 Alumna, Baghdad).

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 IYLEP Bulletin Issue #2, May 31, 2011

Meet the Consultants!

Ihsan Alwan is AED‟s local consultant in Baghdad and has been
supporting the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program since 2009. In this
role, he conducts in-person interviews for semi-finalists, arranges visa
interviews, pre-departure travel, and general program logistics.

Ihsan had the opportunity to escort the group of IYLEP students to United
States in 2009 and thus was able to have a site visit to both institutes at
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and University of Massachusetts,
Amherst (UMASS). In addition to working on IYLEP, Ihsan teaches at the
University of Baghdad.

“As a teacher, I’ve been unremittingly in contact with students,

but only conventionally. But when it comes to IYLEP, it is really
an unforgettable and thrilling experience. I’ve gained a lot from the
students’ enthusiasm, energy, ambition, and eagerness to learn:
almost as much as they excitedly get from the program”.

Bashar Oghanna is AED‟s local consultant operating in Erbil; he supports IYLEP during
semifinalist interviews, conference/reunion activities, pre-departure travel, and general program
logistics.

He brings to the position the unique experience of being an IYLEP alumnus himself. In 2009,
Bashar participated in the Public Policy institute at UMASS, Amherst; an experience that has
deeply impacted his life and inspired his professional and personal activities since.

He has worked in media for more than 6 years, even as he was pursuing a degree and being an
active person in his community. Bashar has contributed to civil society through many
organizations in Erbil, especially those that are concerned with youth development and civil
awareness. He holds a degree in Information Technology from the University of Kurdistan –
Hawler.

“I want to help my country, Iraq to be a free, democratic, peaceful and developed

country; I would sacrifice anything to make this dream come true and to make my
country the best place to live. I wish to reach this goal through team work, youth
development, and education”.

Muhammad Al- Maliki is AED‟s local consultant in Basrah; he has supported IYLEP for the
past two years. In addition to his assistance with IYLEP semifinalist interviews, recruitment, and
pre-departure logistics, Muhammad teaches at the University of Basrah. He is a researcher of critical
thinking, teaching and learning programs, which enhance community views.

His experience includes working with various humanitarian organizations and social programs as a
regional coordinator and field officer, bringing about positive social change. He is also a member of
several associations, including the Association of Iraqi Translators, Association of Higher Studies at
the University of Basrah, and Critical Thinking Community.

Additionally, Muhammad has participated as an Assistant Director and Stage Manager in the
production of two plays: Stuck and Waiting for Gilgamesh, which were written by one of his
colleagues and have been acted and staged by the students at the university.

“What I have noticed during my career is that this academic-social program is quite
essential. It gets to the hearts and minds of those students who most desperately need
change; of those who will be most affected by this changing world. The IYLEPers, so to
speak, did and will bring about change, new insights and world views to their lives and
the lives of others”.