EPIC believes a long-term investment in young people is essential to creating a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq and, ultimately, world.
In Iraq, over 60 percent of the population is under 25. Given Iraq’s recent history that means an entire generation has grown up knowing only war, violence, and conflict.
Iraq’s youth haven’t grown up without hope. The youth of Iraq have an immense power to transform Iraq. EPIC gives them the tools to build a more peaceful and prosperous future.
To do this, EPIC is continuing to partner with local organizations to develop and carryout projects that work with youth in our four focus areas:
Environmental Education
Female Empowerment
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Storytelling and the Arts
Each project will include, involve, and integrate youth from both rural and urban areas in southern, central, and northern Iraq. EPIC has always been about creating diverse coalitions and in our work with youth, it will be no different. Iraq is a nation of many people with many different backgrounds.
Iraq is also a nation of victims of violence. Land mines, bombs, bullets, and numerous other kinds of injurious weaponry have taken a toll not only on minds, but also on bodies. Young Iraqis with disabilities and those who have been orphaned will have a place alongside their peers in our programs and projects.
While our youth-focused programs will take place year-round, EPIC is also working to establish a multi-session “summer camp” and teacher training programs in Iraq to empower youth and their mentors with the power of building a lasting peace.
