Iraq – A small appliance repairman gives a big lift to fellow Syrians in Iraq

Last updated Jul 3, 2022

Location: Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Language: Arabic

Duration: 00:04:50

Voice: Natural

Source: A24 Sulaymaniyah

Restriction: A24 subscribers

Date: 03/07/2022

Storyline:

The United Nations refugee agency recently reported that money was running out to help the nearly 100,000 Syrians still living in camps in Iraqi Kurdistan.

But one resident of the Barika refugee camp in Sulaymaniyah governorate is modeling self-help as the way forward for his community.

Cameran Ismail uses a small room in his house eight kilometers west of Sulaymaniyah to repair household appliances on a volunteer basis.

He says it is a humanitarian gesture, mainly for widows and the elderly, and told A24 News that he’s called to do it for free- despite his own poor living conditions.

Iraq hosts nearly 260,000 Syrian refugees, most of whom are based in the Kurdistan Region. Last month, the World Food Program warned that 86 percent of people in the camps are now vulnerable to food insecurity.

Cameran’s charity allows his neighbors to save a few more dinars to buy bread or rice.

Shot list:

– SOUNDBITE (Cameran Ismail – a refugee working in electrical equipment maintenance):

“I studied at an electrical institute and have experience in maintaining household appliances. I wanted to offer my services to the people in my region as many of them are in need. Many women who lost their husbands or breadwinner in the war and the elderly live in the camp. I would like to convey the message that whoever wants to make a difference and impact in society, has to start with themselves. I aimed at restoring social cohesion among Syrians. If we did not help and support each other, no one does.”

– SOUNDBITE (Abdelwahab Nehme – a Syrian refugee in Barika camp):

“Cameran repairs and maintains electrical equipment for all Barika camp refugees. He has experience in this field. Before he starts repairing, he takes into consideration the living conditions of the owner. I had this piece repaired for only 2,000 Iraqi dinars when it actually costs 5,000 dinars.”

– SOUNDBITE (Suheila Hasso – a Syrian refugee in Barika camp):

Our conditions are getting worse day by day. We can hardly provide for our families and meet our children’s needs. When we were living in our homeland in the past, we had a decent life.”