UPG Viewer

33 Years Old

Iraq

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

I am Ziwar Zrar Rasool, an Assistant Lecturer in Sociology at Salahaddin University-Erbil, with a master’s degree from Selcuk University, Turkey. My professional journey involves diverse roles, including teaching, and researching social issues. I have researched cultural capital, cyber victimization, and the impact of AI on simulation theory. I strongly desire to explore contemporary social theory and methodologies. Beyond academia, I have experience as a Child Protection Case Manager with PAO organization related to UNICEF in Kawrgosk Refugee Camp, I was a volunteer and provided social-psychological support.

Sociological expertise, research skills, community engagement, communication and problem-solving skills.

Research Skills
My recent study on the prevalence of cyber victimization among high school students in Erbil City, specifically regarding how teenagers’ online behaviors can affect mental health and well-being, is a perfect example of how I used my research abilities to support sustainability. This study aims to address another feature of sustainability which is social sustainability.
Although Erbil’s physical social problems received a lot of attention, the city always ignored the escalating social issues, such as cyber bullying and its impact on teenagers’ well-being. Students’ psychological condition was being impacted by this disregard for social sustainability issues, which in turn affected their social development.
A practical impact of my study is to raise awareness by bringing people’s attention to the social sustainability problem that teenagers in Erbil experienced.

Yes, I have volunteer experience, especially from my time spent in Erbil, Iraq, I was honored to be working as a volunteer Child Protection department and in a Case Manager position in the PAO humanitarian organization. I contributed to a society awareness campaign on child protection in collaboration with UNICEF.
What I Discovered: The Importance of Community Engagement, I realized that any social program depends on community engagement, the rate of success of any project was achieved by engaging the parents and children.
Empathy and Communication: My comprehension of the challenges that many people encounter has grown as an outcome of my hard work with families who are in need. It also taught me how crucial it is to communicate clearly to make others feel heard and supported, particularly when talking about delicate subjects.
Cooperation: To achieve wider results and optimize the impact of social initiatives, I also learned how vital it is to work with a variety of stakeholders, including local government agencies, educational institutions, and community leaders.
Personal Development: Volunteering in these environments honed my leadership and problem-solving abilities, particularly when organizing activities with various groups and handling challenging circumstances.

Graduate: I have completed a graduate degree (e.g. I have a Masters degree or PhD)

Under the Community pillar of sustainability, I would concentrate on lowering air pollution in Erbil, Iraq, if I were in charge of a sustainability-related initiative. Due to a lack of public knowledge and practical solutions, air pollution frequently goes unnoticed despite the serious health and environmental threats it causes to our community.
My project would use a thorough methodology:

Increasing Public Awareness: Teaching people about the origins and effects of air pollution through seminars, social media campaigns, and educational initiatives.

Community Engagement: Motivating residents to embrace eco-friendly behaviors like carpooling, planting trees, and cutting back on waste.

Cooperation with Stakeholders: Joining forces with corporations, NGOs, and local government to promote laws like more stringent emissions regulations and financial incentives for the use of sustainable energy.

Innovation and Monitoring: Making use of reasonably

Challenges and Solutions for the Air Pollution Project

Challenge: Limited Public Awareness and Engagement
Many community members may not fully understand the severity of air pollution or their role in mitigating it.
Solution: I would organize workshops, social media campaigns, and community events to raise awareness. Tailoring messages to resonate with local culture and values can increase participation and engagement. Collaborating with schools and universities to involve youth as sustainability ambassadors would also help build momentum.

Challenge: Insufficient Funding
Sustainability projects often require resources for activities like purchasing sensors, planting trees, or running educational programs.
Solution: To address funding gaps, I would seek partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and local businesses. Crowdfunding and grant applications from international environmental organizations could also provide additional support.

Challenge: Resistance to Change
Introducing new practices, such as reducing car use or adopting alternative energy sources, may encounter resistance from individuals and institutions.
Solution: I would engage key community influencers, including religious leaders, educators, and policymakers, to advocate for the project. Demonstrating the long-term health and economic benefits of change through case studies and pilot projects could help overcome resistance.

Challenge: Technical and Logistical Barriers
Deploying air quality monitoring devices or implementing policy changes may face technical difficulties or bureaucratic delays.
Solution: I would consult experts in environmental science and technology to ensure the project’s technical feasibility. Building strong relationships with local authorities would also help streamline bureaucratic processes and ensure smoother implementation.

Challenge: Sustaining Momentum
Initial enthusiasm may wane over time, reducing long-term impact.
Solution: Establishing a dedicated community sustainability team to oversee ongoing efforts and celebrating small victories through public events or recognition programs can maintain motivation and momentum.

By anticipating these challenges and preparing actionable solutions, I am confident in my ability to lead this project effectively and make a meaningful impact in addressing air pollution in Erbil City.

About 50 people

Yes

Sociology Department, Salahaddin University- Erbil

Salahaddin University-Erbil: Facilities: Provide venues such as lecture halls or conference rooms for the training sessions. Audience Engagement: Help recruit participants, including students, faculty, and staff interested in sustainability. Expertise: Offer guest speakers or co-trainers from the university’s faculty who specialize in environmental sciences or sociology.

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