Celebrating Easter in Ninewa
Batnaya village is a Christian village with very long and rich history but was 85% destroyed during ISIS occupation and liberation. Although some reconstruction has occurred, and the people of Batnaya have been returned gradually back to their village, the returning process still is quite slow due to the destruction that remains in their village and their access to livelihood opportunities in the areas. Thus Batnaya is a village WRO in partnership with Malteser and BMZ has worked in over the past 5 years to support in building an environment conducive to returns with dignified solutions, such as recently with integrated Vocational Trainings and Agriculture Asset Replacement Economic Empowerment Programs.
To celebrate Easter, WRO held an Easter Egg Hunt for children in the village to remove them from the destroyed surroundings and have a day of fun in a green space. The eggs were painted by some of the families in the village.
Returning back to my village after the liberation can also mean starting a new life. Returning back to my village after liberation is a time of great joy and celebration, and is marked by many traditions and customs that are observed in communities around the world that people share together. In my village, I may have the opportunity to celebrate Easter with my family and friends, attending church services, participating in Easter egg hunts for our children, and enjoying special meals and sweets. After a long period of conflict and separation, the Easter holiday provides a much needed opportunity to reconnect with my community and celebrate together. -Participant
