SEED stands for ‘Sustainable Enterprise Economic Development’. The Nineveh Plain, known as the bread-basket of Iraq was devastated by ISIS in 2014. After their defeat, some people have tried to return but struggled to support their families because of the dire circumstances. One man said to us, “How can we return when there are no jobs?”. Together with Iraqi NGO partners, we are developing a range of projects to help restore the local economies of the region. Our Iraq Programme Manager on the ground oversees all of the projects and works closely with the partners and beneficiaries.
This is a unique partnership model which is allowing us to continue the work during this pandemic. The needs in this area don’t go away, in fact they are even greater in the time of COVID-19. Having an office in Erbil, northern Iraq and partnerships with local NGO’s provides a powerful base from which to continue the work.
We’re slowly seeing change for the better. Derelict farms produce again. Villagers who rely on expensive imported food regain access to local produce. Families are reopening businesses after the trauma of ISIS. Young people find work where there has been so little opportunity. Nineveh SEED provides them with a positive alternative to joining local militia groups in order to provide for their families.
- Pray for us to identify the families who will benefit most from the projects. Pray that we will maintain excellent relations with our partners on the ground; including Iraqi NGOs and community leaders.
- Pray for security in the region to improve so that more people feel safe to return home. Pray for the protection of our Iraq Programme Manager, Abdulrahman as he works in the region to monitor and report on all the Nineveh SEED projects.
- Pray for substantial funding from individuals, churches, Trusts and Government agencies to enable the rapid expansion of the Nineveh SEED programme.
