Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Maharati Programme by UNICEF Iraq is a youth empowerment initiative designed to help young people transition from education to employment. It focuses on skills development, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, particularly for vulnerable youth. The program aims to equip at least 2,000 young people with practical skills, innovation opportunities, and pathways to earning.
Overview
The Maharati Programme is a comprehensive youth development initiative implemented by UNICEF Iraq to address the challenges young people face in transitioning from learning to earning.
It is part of the broader UNICEF Iraq Country Programme 2025–2029, aligning with national and global development priorities to build a resilient and future-ready youth population in Iraq.
Core Objectives
The programme is built around three strategic pillars:
1. Skills Development and Education
- Strengthening foundational and transferable skills
- Providing digital, green, and life skills training
- Supporting adolescents in education-to-employment transitions
2. Durable Solutions and Reintegration
- Supporting vulnerable youth through integration and reintegration pathways
- Addressing socio-economic barriers such as displacement and unemployment
3. Social Policy and Advocacy
- Engaging youth in policy dialogue
- Promoting evidence-based policymaking
- Strengthening youth participation in governance
Why the Programme Matters
Iraq has a young population, with nearly 60% under the age of 25. While this presents a major opportunity, young people face:
- High unemployment rates
- Limited access to quality education
- Climate and environmental risks
- Social and economic inequality
The Maharati Programme addresses these challenges by transforming youth into:
- Skilled professionals
- Entrepreneurs and innovators
- Active citizens and community leaders
Key Components of the Programme
Life-Course Approach
The programme supports different age groups with tailored interventions:
- Younger adolescents: foundational and life skills
- Older youth: employability, entrepreneurship, and leadership
Skills and Competencies Development
Participants gain:
- Digital skills
- Green and sustainability competencies
- Entrepreneurship and business skills
- Communication and problem-solving abilities
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Models
UPSHIFT Social Innovation
UPSHIFT enables youth to:
- Develop solutions to local challenges
- Build prototypes and test ideas
- Work in teams and apply design thinking
Incubation and Private Sector Partnerships
- Structured startup incubation support
- Collaboration with private sector employers
- Access to mentorship and funding pathways
Digital Platforms for Engagement
Learning Passport
Learning Passport provides:
- Continuous access to learning resources
- Digital education opportunities
- Skills development modules
U-Report
U-Report enables:
- Youth participation in surveys and decision-making
- Real-time feedback and data collection
- Civic engagement and advocacy
What the Programme Offers
Participants benefit from:
- Skills training (digital, life, and green skills)
- Entrepreneurship and innovation support
- Mentorship and coaching
- Access to internships and apprenticeships
- Participation in social innovation challenges
- Opportunities to engage in policy and civic platforms
Who is Eligible?
Target Beneficiaries
The programme primarily supports:
- Adolescents and youth in Iraq
- Young people from vulnerable or marginalized backgrounds
- Individuals facing barriers to education or employment
Focus Groups
- Unemployed youth
- Displaced or at-risk populations
- Young entrepreneurs and innovators
How the Programme Works
Implementation Approach
- Identify and engage vulnerable youth groups
- Deliver tailored skills training programs
- Provide innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities
- Facilitate internships and employment pathways
- Enable youth participation in civic and policy platforms
Key Activities
- Training workshops and capacity-building sessions
- Social innovation labs and startup incubation
- Community engagement and leadership programs
- Digital learning and participation via platforms
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve:
- At least 2,000 youth equipped with employable skills
- Increased participation in innovation and entrepreneurship
- Expanded access to internships and earning opportunities
- Stronger youth engagement in civic and policy processes
Tips for Youth Participation
- Actively engage in training and mentorship sessions
- Explore digital platforms for continuous learning
- Participate in innovation challenges like UPSHIFT
- Build networks with peers and professionals
- Focus on practical skills and real-world applications
Common Challenges Addressed
- Skills mismatch between education and job market
- Limited access to employment opportunities
- Lack of entrepreneurial support
- Low youth participation in decision-making
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Maharati Programme?
It is a youth empowerment initiative by UNICEF Iraq focused on skills, employment, and entrepreneurship.
2. Who can benefit from the programme?
Adolescents and young people in Iraq, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds.
3. What skills are taught?
Digital skills, life skills, green competencies, and entrepreneurship skills.
4. Does the programme provide job opportunities?
It facilitates internships, apprenticeships, and pathways to employment and self-employment.
5. What is UPSHIFT?
UPSHIFT is a social innovation model that helps youth develop and test solutions to real-world problems.
6. How do digital platforms support the programme?
Platforms like Learning Passport and U-Report provide learning resources and enable youth participation.
7. What is the main goal of the programme?
To help young people transition from learning to earning while becoming innovators and leaders.
Conclusion
The Maharati Programme by UNICEF Iraq is a forward-looking initiative that empowers youth with the skills, tools, and opportunities needed for long-term success.
By combining education, innovation, and civic engagement, it creates a sustainable pathway for young people to become job creators, active citizens, and drivers of economic and social development in Iraq.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.