Lina Farzandeh from XIM University, Bachelor of Sustainable Development
Comprehensive Practical Training Report:
This report is submitted as part of my practical training requirements for my studies in Sustainable Development. It aims to present and analyze the practical experiences and knowledge I gained during my internship at the Gashbun Organization for Guidance and Psychosocial Counselling (G.O.G.P.C.), a non-governmental organization founded in 2014 and headquartered in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. G.O.G.P.C. works in the areas of protection, women’s empowerment, child protection, psychosocial support, education, and livelihoods.
First: Nature of Training and Areas of Work
During my internship, I participated in various activities at the organization’s center in the camp, primarily focused on women’s empowerment through:
Literacy courses for women. Sewing and vocational training courses led by three specialized instructors. Psychosocial support sessions. Awareness-raising and self-confidence-building activities. Basic administrative tasks such as attendance tracking and activity documentation
This diverse experience allowed me to understand humanitarian work from multiple perspectives: educational, social, psychological, and professional.
Second: What I Learned and Gained from My Experience
During the training, I gained practical experience in designing and implementing programs targeting women in vulnerable environments. I learned that women’s empowerment is not limited to providing a single skill, but rather relies on an integrated approach that combines:
– Basic education (literacy). Economic empowerment (sewing). Psychosocial support. Creating a safe and stimulating environment. I also learned how to work with diverse groups of women, respecting individual differences in educational, psychological, and social levels.
Third: Connecting the Training to Academic Theories and Concepts
This training is directly linked to several fundamental concepts studied in this course, the most important of which is:
1- The Concept of Empowerment:
What I witnessed practically in the literacy and sewing courses reflects the concept of empowerment as studied theoretically, where women are transformed from recipients to active participants capable of making decisions and improving their economic and social status.
2- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
The organization’s activities have clearly contributed to:
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
3- Sustainable Community Development:
The organization focused on building the capacities of women within the local community rather than relying on short-term aid, which aligns with the principles of sustainability that emphasize long-term impact.
Fourth: Skills and Techniques Acquired
During the training period, I acquired several important skills, most notably:
– Effective communication skills with women in sensitive environments
– Observation and evaluation skills for beneficiaries
– Teamwork skills
– Activity organization and time management skills.
– Fundamentals of administrative documentation and confidentiality.
– Explanation and simplification skills, especially in literacy programs.
Fifth: Practical Applications and Their Relationship to Theory:
The training enabled me to translate theoretical knowledge into practical application. For example, the concept of “women’s empowerment” is no longer just an academic term, but a tangible experience I witnessed in women’s psychological, educational, and professional development. The training also helped me understand real-world challenges that might not be clearly reflected in books, such as the cultural and psychological factors that influence community participation.
In Conclusion, It can be said that the training period was a comprehensive learning experience, combining academic knowledge with practical application. The training helped me develop my personal and professional skills and gave me a deeper understanding of the role of civil society organizations in achieving sustainable development, especially in conflict-affected and displacement-prone environments.
Reflection (A): What is the work environment like?
The work environment within the center was simple, supportive, and collaborative, characterized by mutual respect and teamwork. I noticed that having a direct supervisor and a clear organization of tasks and work contributed to the success of the activities. Working with women in the camp requires a high degree of sensitivity, patience, and understanding, which was reflected in the approach of the staff and instructors. The environment was conducive to learning and encouraged trainees to participate and take initiative.
Reflection (B): What have I learned for my career and in light of my life goals?
This experience taught me that my career in sustainable development should be based on serving people and building and developing their capabilities. I realized that real change begins with motivation, education, and empowerment, especially for women. The training strengthened my desire to work in humanitarian or development organizations in the future and helped me see my life goals more clearly: to contribute to building more just and sustainable societies.