The Sard Organization for Society Support (SOSS) is proud to announce the successful completion of the evaluation for the “Maro, Chaki Ka” – “Don’t leave, fix it” – campaign under the Networks of Change II (NoC2) Programme. This initiative, implemented by SPARK Organization and funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is part of a three-year programme running from April 1, 2023, to 2026.

The “Maro, Chaki Ka” campaign, implemented from February to July 2024, aimed to address pressing challenges faced by Kurdish youth aged 16-26, including illegal migration, unemployment, violent extremism, and limited access to vocational training opportunities. Through a combination of online and offline initiatives, the campaign sought to inspire young people in the cities of Chamchamal, Halabja, and Ranya to remain in Kurdistan, pursue vocational opportunities, and actively contribute to local development.

A team of 21 local youth campaigners, supported by SPARK, played a pivotal role in disseminating key messages and fostering community engagement. Their efforts were instrumental in encouraging youth to envision a future within Kurdistan, rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
The evaluation, conducted by SOSS in December 2024, focused on the following areas:

• • Assessing the effectiveness of the campaign in reaching its target audience.,
  • Measuring the reach and impact of the campaign’s key messages, training programs, and vocational courses.,
  • Identifying areas for improvement to enhance future initiatives under the NoC2 Programme.,

This evaluation not only highlights the achievements of the campaign but also provides valuable insights to strengthen ongoing and future efforts under the NoC2 Programme.

We extend our gratitude to SPARK Organization, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the dedicated local youth campaigners for their unwavering commitment to empowering Kurdish youth and fostering sustainable development in the region.