Ban Abdulbasit Saleh, Abu Ghraib resident, joins Creative Sparks in Baghdad; becomes master of ceremonies at a major event

Empowering Youth to Lead Change: Ban’s Journey from Resilience to Leadership - Service for Foreign Policy Instruments

Through the EU-funded project “Creative Sparks: Empowering and Increasing Youth Resilience to Radicalisation through Arts and Sports,” implemented by the Sustainable Peace Foundation in Baghdad’s Abu Ghraib and Al-Tarmiya districts, young women and men are gaining the confidence, skills, and opportunities needed to become agents of positive change.

By using arts and sports as tools for engagement, the project creates inclusive and safe spaces where young people can strengthen their resilience, build relationships across communities, and develop leadership and peacebuilding skills needed to contribute to more peaceful and cohesive societies.

The project is implemented under the STRIVE Global Programme, managed by Hedayah – the International Center of Excellence for Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism. It contributes to the European Union’s wider efforts to address the drivers of violent extremism by supporting youth empowerment, promoting social cohesion, and providing young people with opportunities to participate meaningfully in their communities.

For Ban Abdulbasit Saleh, a young woman from Abu Ghraib, resilience has been a lifelong journey. Born in 2004, Ban faced a significant challenge at an early age when complications from high blood pressure resulted in major vision loss in her right eye. Despite this obstacle, she remained determined to pursue her education and achieve her ambitions.

Through perseverance and dedication, Ban transformed challenges into motivation. She earned a diploma in Journalism and Media, continued her studies in Civil Design Engineering, and developed her passion for writing, publishing two books along the way. Her achievements reflect her creativity, determination, and commitment to personal growth.

Yet, despite her accomplishments, Ban faced another challenge: finding the confidence to use her voice in front of others. While writing had given her a platform to express herself, public speaking and taking on a visible leadership role remained outside her comfort zone. Her participation in the Creative Sparks project provided the opportunity she needed to also overcome this barrier.

Through practical activities, teamwork exercises, and interactive learning sessions, the project supports young people to strengthen communication skills, build confidence, and develop leadership capacities. Participants from diverse backgrounds work together, exchange ideas, and discover how creativity and collaboration can help address challenges and contribute to stronger communities. For Ban, one of the most important lessons from the project was understanding that leadership is built through cooperation. Working alongside other participants showed her that collective action, trust, and respect for different perspectives are essential for creating sustainable change.

A defining moment in Ban’s journey came during the project’s bootcamp activities, when she was selected to serve as the master of ceremonies for a major event. It was the first time she would stand before a large audience that included government representatives, civil society organisations, community leaders, local stakeholders, and fellow participants.

Initially, the responsibility felt challenging. Speaking on stage requires confidence, adaptability, and the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. However, the skills and encouragement she gained through Creative Sparks gave her the confidence to take on the challenge.

As she welcomed guests, introduced activities, and guided the programme, Ban discovered a new ability to communicate and lead with confidence. An opportunity that once seemed intimidating became a milestone in her personal and professional development.

“Being the master of ceremonies for the first time was a very special experience for me,” Ban recalls. “I was nervous at first, but the support I received from the team and the confidence I gained through the project helped me believe in myself. By the end of the event, I realized I was capable of achieving much more than I had imagined.”

This experience strengthened more than Ban’s public speaking abilities. It changed the way she viewed her own potential. She began to see herself as a leader who could inspire others, share ideas, and take initiative within her community.

Ban’s story reflects the wider impact of Creative Sparks project: when young people are provided with safe spaces, opportunities, and support, they can unlock their potential and become drivers of positive change. Through the project, Ban has strengthened her leadership skills, expanded her connections, and gained a deeper understanding of how creativity, dialogue, and teamwork can contribute to peaceful and inclusive communities.

Today, Ban continues her academic studies, writing, and community engagement activities with renewed confidence. Her journey demonstrates that leadership is not only about holding a position—it is about having the courage to participate, the confidence to share one’s voice, and the commitment to support others.

Through initiatives such as Creative Sparks, the European Union and its partners are investing in young people like Ban, empowering them to build resilience, strengthen social cohesion, and play an active role in shaping a more peaceful and inclusive future for their communities.

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