From Conflict to Classroom

In Ba'aj, Iraq, youth are actively advocating for the inclusion of returnee children in education. The Youth Peace Team is working to help these children break the cycles of violence by addressing the educational gaps created by conflict and occupation. 

 In 2014, Ba'aj fell under ISIS control. Families endured significant hardship and danger, and the children bore the brunt of this upheaval—enduring over five years without access to education. In 2017, ISIS retreated to Syria after their defeat, forcibly displacing many families with them.  

When schools re-opened upon liberation from ISIS, families slowly began returning home to Ba’aj. However, community members began noticing further implications of the occupation: kids were behind in their schooling and age restrictions made many students ineligible to re-enroll in regular school. 

Effects of Education Loss on Returnees

The prolonged absence of schooling has significantly increased violence and vulnerabilities among the young returnee population. Without the stability and support that education provides, many children have been thrust into harsh realities. Boys often end up in child labor, becoming easy targets for criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and other violent activities. For girls, the lack of education leads many families to resort to early marriages - limiting their future prospects and exposing them to exploitation, including gender-based violence (GBV). 

Indeed, the community is witnessing a rise in youth involvement in criminal activities, increased domestic violence, and a growing sense of hopelessness and despair among its younger members. This environment of exclusion of returnee children from education not only affects their immediate safety and well-being, but also feeds and normalizes cycles of violence that threaten the long-term stability and development of Ba'aj as a whole.

Youth Peace Team's Efforts to Address Education Gaps

Access to education is essential to peacebuilding. Research from the Global Partnership for Education and the Institute for Economics & Peace highlights that improvements in education levels are closely linked to more peaceful societies. Overall, higher rates of both primary and lower secondary school completions show positive correlations with factors known to create and sustain peaceful societies. 

In Ba’aj, the Youth Peace Team is a group of young adults committed to transforming safety in their community. Driven by a desire for peace and stability, the YPT is dedicated to advocating for the inclusion of returnee children in the education system. This inclusion is vital for interrupting cycles of violence and establishing a foundation for lasting peace, ultimately enhancing the safety and security of communities in Ba’aj. 

First, the YPT conducted several community engagement activities to assess the number of students among returning families who were unable to attend school (due to age restrictions and lack of formal education). The team also began building relationships with the Ministry of Education to foster open engagement and trust.  

In time, the Ministry of Education became familiar with the work of NP and the Youth Peace Team. Following a series of meetings with the Director of Education and Ministers of the Ministry, the YPT's advocacy efforts paid off—  they received approval to establish classes for returnee students! 

Impact on Boys and Girls

The youth initiative to reintegrate students into school has profoundly impacted the community, especially for young girls. By providing these students with the opportunity to resume their education, they are now pursuing their dreams instead of succumbing to isolation or developing resentment that can lead to violence, crime, and drug use. Parents echo this sentiment, with one stating, “Your support for our children has saved them from many problems.” 

This initiative not only has significant implications for the future of girls by preventing early marriages, but many girls are already reporting feeling more empowered within their communities. As one returnee child, Zahra*, shared, “It was my dream to complete my schooling. I tried to return to school without success, but today, thanks to the YPT’s support, I am back in school. Thank you.” Meanwhile, the chance to attend school is also deterring young boys from being drawn into child labor, drug trafficking, or other dangerous paths.  

Students have celebrated their achievements, with 20 girls and 9 boys returning to school and passing their exams. Parents have expressed their appreciation, noting, “Your support and inclusion in the school make us feel proud to be equal with our peers.” 

The YPT’s proactive approach to addressing community concerns, such as the education gap, is just one example of the inspiring work they are doing to enhance safety and security in Ba'aj. 

*Name changed for privacy