Soap-making workshop empowers people with disabilities

BAGHDAD — A four-day soap-making workshop in Palestine Street, Baghdad, equipping 45 individuals with disabilities with new skills to enter the job market. Hosted by the Rwad Al-Kheir Foundation at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the training introduced participants to crafting 15 types of natural soaps, including honey soap, frankincense, natural almond, black seed, and myrrh, while also teaching proper molding, packaging, and marketing techniques.

Ahlam Al-Samarrai, the organizer of the workshop, told 964media that the initiative aimed to provide participants with a practical skill they could use from home. “The idea behind this workshop is to teach individuals with disabilities a simple profession they can practice independently,” she said. “They also learned how to market and sell their products, and we will continue to monitor and support them after the workshop concludes.”

Al-Samarrai noted the participants’ enthusiasm and progress, adding, “We provided each of them with the necessary tools, such as molds, and it’s heartening to see how quickly they’ve adapted.”

Norhan Raad, a trainee, expressed her gratitude and optimism about the training. “We are a group of individuals with disabilities who participated in this natural soap-making workshop organized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. We learned how to make soap, and each of us now has the opportunity to turn this into a profession and start our own businesses,” she said. “We plan to showcase our soaps at craft and handmade bazaars, and I’m excited to prepare and display my range of natural soap products.”.

Hadeel Mohammed, a participant from the hearing and speech-impaired community, praised the initiative for its transformative impact. “Thanks to the support from the Disability Authority, I’ve learned how to make and market natural soap,” she said through a translator. “We hope more workshops like this will continue because they are incredibly beneficial for us. I want to thank Ms. Ahlam for presenting such valuable ideas for people with disabilities.”.

The workshop not only provided practical skills but also offered a pathway to economic independence for the participants, showcasing the value of initiatives aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities. Many of the trainees are now preparing to market their products in local bazaars, turning their newfound skills into a source of income and personal achievement.