Al-Masalla Organization Concludes ommunity-Driven Solutions Project with 33 Initiatives Across 15 Iraqi Governorates

Al-Masalla Organization for Human Resources Development has successfully concluded its Community-Driven Solutions: Preventing Violent Extremism Through Local Action project after three months of intensive work across multiple Iraqi governorates. The project implemented 33 community-based initiatives in 15 governorates, benefiting a total of 6,221 individuals from diverse social groups.

Implemented in partnership with civil society organizations and in coordination with relevant government agencies, local authorities, and community leaders, the project aimed to prevent violent extremism, promote social peace, and strengthen social cohesion through locally driven solutions.

The initiatives encompassed a wide range of activities, including awareness sessions in schools and universities, public events, meetings with tribal councils, awareness-raising theatrical performances, media campaigns, and podcast episodes—all designed to highlight the community’s crucial role in countering violent extremism.

Commenting on the project, Ibrahim Ismail, Executive Director of Al-Masalla Organization, said:

“Preventing violent extremism begins within the community itself, by empowering local actors and supporting their initiatives alongside government institutions. The achievements of the past three months demonstrate that effective coordination between civil society and official entities can produce a real and lasting impact on social cohesion and peacebuilding.”

The project’s implementation involved close coordination and sustained effort from implementing teams, partners, and government agencies. Work, follow-up, and communication continued consistently—even beyond official working hours—to ensure the initiatives achieved their objectives and reached the widest possible audience.

The project concluded with a final conference that highlighted key achievements and lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of continuing to support community-led solutions as a sustainable and effective approach to preventing violent extremism and promoting peace at the local level.