Challenges and Solutions in Kalar-Garmian: Environmental and Economic Issues
The Kalar-Garmian region in Sulaymaniyah Governorate faces significant environmental and economic challenges that impact the daily lives of its residents. One of the most pressing issues is the accumulation of waste, as waste collection services have declined, particularly in rural areas.
Additionally, the region suffers from water scarcity and drought, leading many rural residents to migrate to cities in search of alternative job opportunities. In response to this crisis, the Garmian Administration has initiated the construction of small dams to store rain and snowmelt for agricultural and livestock use, aiming to curb migration.
Drought has also led to a decline in agricultural production, negatively affecting the local economy and increasing unemployment rates. Due to low rainfall and decreasing water levels in dams and rivers, farmers have been forced to reduce the cultivated land area, resulting in a decline in essential crop yields such as wheat.
In summary, the residents of Kalar-Garmian face multiple challenges related to waste accumulation, water scarcity, and drought, which affect their health, livelihoods, and contribute to increasing rural-to-urban migration.


Anti-Drug Awareness Activity
Objectives of the Activity
Awareness and Education
Raising awareness about the dangers of drug addiction on individuals and society.
Educating youth and families on recognizing signs of drug use and how to address them.
Promoting a culture of prevention through awareness campaigns in schools, universities, and public spaces.
Reducing Drug Use and Addiction Rates
Providing counseling and treatment programs to help individuals quit drug use.
Supporting families affected by drug addiction.
Encouraging healthy alternatives for youth, such as sports, arts, and cultural activities.
Combating Drug Distribution and Promotion
Collaborating with security agencies to curb drug trafficking in the region.
Encouraging community members to report drug dealers and monitor the routes through which drugs enter the community.
Creating Economic and Social Opportunities
Offering employment and training programs for at-risk youth.
Strengthening the role of social institutions in supporting recovering addicts to reintegrate into society.
Building a Healthy and Safe Community
Creating a supportive environment that rejects drug use and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Strengthening social values that combat drug abuse and protect community cohesion.

Activity Summary
Location: Garmian Administration - Kalar - Youth Center Hall
Date: February 23, 2025
Participants: Over 50 attendees from diverse backgrounds, including youth, organizations, stakeholders, university professors, students, and others.
Legal Expert: Provided a legal perspective on drug-related crimes and penalties.
University Professor: Discussed the scientific, psychological, and social aspects of addiction and its effects on society.
NGO Representative: Spoke about civil society efforts in awareness and treatment.
Audience Participation: Engaged youth, local officials, and community members in discussions.

Activity Highlights
What Was Done During the Activity?
Session Organization and Atmosphere Preparation
Delivered an opening speech on the importance of combating drugs and their societal impact.
Welcomed participants and introduced each speaker.
Moderating Discussion and Directing Questions
Raised questions about the current drug situation in Garmian and its prevalence.
Discussed legal challenges with the judge regarding the enforcement of drug-related laws and penalties.
Asked the university professor to explain the psychological and social effects of drugs on youth and families.
Engaged the NGO representative on community-based solutions and the role of awareness and rehabilitation programs.
Audience Engagement
Provided attendees the opportunity to ask questions and share their stories and experiences.
Discussed challenges faced by the community in prevention and treatment.
Deriving Recommendations and Solutions
The session concluded with practical recommendations, including:
Enhancing awareness programs in schools and universities.
Supporting drug rehabilitation programs.
Stricter enforcement of drug-related laws.
Encouraging sports and cultural activities as healthy alternatives for youth.

Expected Impact
This activity helped raise awareness, clarify solutions, and open discussions on drug-related issues, paving the way for further practical initiatives to combat the phenomenon in Garmian.
Many attendees expressed appreciation for the session, considering it an essential step in raising awareness about drugs and their effects on society.
Some youth mentioned that they gained new insights into the psychological and legal consequences of drug use.
✅ The Importance of Legal Enforcement
Several participants supported the judge’s call for stricter enforcement of penalties on drug dealers.
Some parents urged for tighter border and market surveillance to prevent drug entry into the region.
✅ Calls for Rehabilitation Programs
Some attendees showed great interest in learning from other countries' experiences in addiction treatment, suggesting the establishment of local rehabilitation centers instead of relying solely on legal punishments.
✅ The Need for Continuous Awareness
NGO representatives emphasized the importance of ongoing workshops and lectures in schools and universities to prevent the spread of drug use among youth.

Success Factors
🔹 Strong Engagement and Active Participation
A significant number of participants showed interest in the discussion, asking important questions and sharing opinions and experiences.
The discussion was well-balanced between experts and the audience, making the session informative and dynamic.
🔹 Multidimensional Perspectives on the Issue
The presence of a legal expert, university professor, and NGO representative added valuable diversity to the discussion.
Legal, psychological, and social aspects of the problem were thoroughly addressed, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding.
🔹 Practical Recommendations
The session concluded with realistic proposals that could form the foundation for future action plans.
There was a consensus among participants on the need for law enforcement, rehabilitation support, and awareness campaigns.
🔹 Community Engagement
Some attendees expressed interest in organizing future initiatives, such as workshops in schools or social media awareness campaigns.
The session helped break the silence surrounding drug issues, particularly among youth.

Future Recommendations
✅ Holding similar activities in schools and universities to ensure the participation of youth who need this awareness the most. ✅ Including real-life stories from recovered addicts to create a stronger emotional impact and increase awareness. ✅ Utilizing modern tools such as short films, interactive content, or theatrical performances to present risks in an engaging way. ✅ Providing informational booklets or digital guides detailing how to seek help and the available resources. ✅ Opening volunteer opportunities for those willing to contribute to awareness campaigns in the field or via social media. ✅ Submitting official recommendations to relevant authorities to ensure the discussions translate into actionable measures. ✅ Collaborating with sports clubs or cultural centers to organize alternative activities that keep youth engaged and away from harmful influences.

 

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