Iraq faces a critical time in its turbulent recent history. Different areas of the country face a myriad of humanitarian, reconstruction and stabilization challenges. At the same time, this situation presents an opportunity to propel on-the-ground initiatives that can have a lasting impact for the country. A primary example are makerspaces, collaborative spaces where learning and skills development lead to making and fabrication which in turn result in entrepreneurship and im

This week, the participants in the Un Ponte Per and Al Hussein Society (AHS) program have been continuing to work on designing and making two specific parts. The first is a wheelchair cushion which has been in development for the past few weeks. After testing different fillings they moved forward with a foam based filling. The participants continued to develop the seat cushions but altered the initial design to include comfortable armrests and a back/headrest. The participant

Field Ready has been working with the NGO Un Ponte Per (UPP) and the Al Hussein Society (AHS) to create livelihood training for people with disabilities. The goal of the program is to create dignified and sustainable entrepreneurial and employment opportunities for the most vulnerable and marginalized people from both the local host and the Syrian refugee communities, addressing in particular people with motor and psycho-social disabilities. One of the ways we are doing this

Field Ready has a new livelihood program for people with disabilities in Jordan. This is done in partnership with the Italian NGO Un Ponte Per. Jordan is a particularly challenging country for people with disabilities. The infrastructure is rarely accessible, and the sidewalks are particularly high making it difficult for people to get around. Our program is to train people with disabilities to make mobility aids. Some of the items they will make include; ramps, removable des

Our hydroponics project in Syria has been widely successful in growing a variety of crops effectively and at a low cost. While our team has been experimental with hydroponics and tested different methods, we are always honing in on how to maximize crop production. Recently, Usamah our Technical Advisor in Syria planted seedlings for this seasons crops. Instead of using plastic beads as before, he used crushed glass (which is widely accessible). The glass is a better alternati

After the three month Start program with the our partner NGO, Kudra, participants recently pitched their ideas to potential investors. We reached seven projects through 25 participants through this experience. We launched start-up projects, where design methodology has been applied in selecting challenge, designing prototypes and across a series of programs and experiences. At pitch day, several organizations and bodies in social investment participated. The entrepreneurs com

We have been working with Kudra on the Start Program, which works with entrepreneurs from Syria and the host community to enable them with tools in order to succeed. The program is 2 months long and entails workshops, coaching, mentoring and use of the innovation lab. ​The program takes place at the Social Innovation Lab where Kudra brings experience working with communities, particularly building skills in entrepreneurship, design thinking etc. and running accelerator progra

On December 5-6, Field Ready M&E Officer Dan Butler attended a Livelihoods Workshop held by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Turkey. The event addressed many traditional livelihood programs and trainings, such as sewing or hairstyling. While these are all valuable skill-sets, Field Ready was used as a non-traditional example. Field Ready’s work with Kudra serves as an example of livelihood capacity building that focuses on information and communication te

While our aim is to transform the way humanitarian aid is delivered, we seek to improve people’s overall quality of life and provide livelihood opportunities. This is especially true for those trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of disaster - the long and often slow recovery and reconstruction process. A key aim of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) includes eradicating extreme poverty. Field Ready has the capacity to improve livelihoods for people living in

Field Ready recently conducted a site visit in Kathmandu Valley to document the impact of improvements made to cook stoves in the area that grew out of collaboration with local innovator Madhukar KC. His improved cook stove design, a decade in the making, resulted in a better burner to get more oxygen to the wood so that it burns more efficiently. Demonstrating one of the more powerful ways in which an off the shelf FDM 3D printer can be used, the work of Field Ready during