Case Studies
Concrete examples of how Aligning Cultures has worked with local partners, international implementors, and donors to create lasting change in conflict-affected communities across Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Mauritania, and the MENA region.
Perceptions of Media and Misinformation in Post-Conflict Iraq
Aligning Cultures conducted field research across three Iraqi provinces — Anbar, Ninewa, and Diyala — to understand public perceptions of media and assess the trustworthiness of media sources. Key findings revealed widespread distrust in social media, heavy reliance on friends and family as the most trusted news sources, and strong community concern about the real-world harms caused by misinformation, particularly around security incidents, regional powers, and humanitarian aid distribution. The research provides an evidence base for targeted media literacy, counter-disinformation, and community trust-building interventions across post-conflict Iraq.
Key Findings
- Widespread distrust in social media as a primary news source across all three provinces
- Friends and family identified as the most reliable sources of local information
- Majority of respondents identified misinformation as a serious or somewhat serious problem
- Misinformation about security incidents, regional powers, and humanitarian aid most prevalent
- Real-world harms documented: fear, community division, and poor decision-making based on false information
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Advanced Capacity Building for Psychologists and Social Workers
On behalf of Hedayah, and in partnership with the National Committee for Countering Violent Extremism (NCCVE) and the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Iraq, AC co-delivered an Advanced Capacity-Building Workshop for psychologists and social workers engaged in the rehabilitation and reintegration of detainees convicted of extremism-related offenses.
Self-Care Training for Iraqi Social Workers and Prison Staff
AC delivered training to Iraqi social workers and prison staff on self-care techniques on behalf of Hedayah. This training was supported by the European Assistance Mission to Iraq (EUAM Iraq), addressing the secondary trauma experienced by frontline practitioners working in rehabilitation and reintegration settings.
Meta Trusted Partner for MENA Digital Safety
AC became one of Meta's trusted partners to ensure digital safety across Meta platforms in the MENA region. Through GlobalGiving's fiscal sponsorship, AC supported the operational continuity of local organizations and enabled them to continue monitoring Meta's platforms for harmful or violative content, supporting civil society resilience in the digital information space.
Enumerator Training for Rehabilitation Data Collection
AC trained over 26 enumerators across Iraq to collect data on rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. Our holistic trauma-informed approach builds the skills of our network to collect data in a 'Do No Harm' and efficient manner, supporting evidence-based program design across conflict-affected communities.
Business Development Support for Sudanese CSOs
AC collaborated with Future Stars Center for Development, a local Sudanese organization, to develop policies and procedures, enhance fundraising capacity, and prepare concept notes and proposals aligned with new donor landscapes following the cessation of US foreign aid. This work supported organizational survival and continuity amid extraordinary operating conditions in Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile.
UN High-Level Conference on Al-Hol Repatriation
AC was recognized by the Government of Iraq and the United Nations Office for Counterterrorism (UNOCT) to participate in the High-Level International Conference on the Repatriation of Persons from Al-Hol, Surrounding Camps, and Places of Detention at UN Headquarters in New York — representing Aligning Cultures' expertise in CVE, reintegration, and community resilience programming in the MENA region.
Training 24 Messaging Champions to Counter Disinformation
In Yemen, Aligning Cultures designed and implemented a strategic communications program that trained 24 community journalists as Messaging Champions — equipping them to counter Iranian disinformation, challenge discriminatory narratives, and advance women's role in governance through trusted, community-embedded voices across the country's divided media landscape.
Radicalization Drivers Assessment Across Five States
Aligning Cultures designed and implemented a comprehensive assessment framework to identify the drivers of radicalization across five states in Mauritania — deploying over 20 trained enumerators to conduct surveys, key informant interviews, and focus groups. The research delivered an evidence-based analysis equipping policymakers and civil society with the intelligence needed to design targeted prevention programming.
Our Services
Aligning Cultures delivers nine specialized services across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa — from conflict prevention and CVE rehabilitation to fiscal sponsorship for local organizations.
Conflict Prevention & Stabilization
Locally led crisis committees, IDP reintegration, and social cohesion programming that interrupt cycles of violence in Iraq, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
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Strategic Communications & Narrative Change
Counter-narrative content, counter-disinformation programs, and community messaging champion training that interrupt extremist narratives and build resilience to false information across Iraq, Yemen, and MENA.
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Gender Equality & Women's Empowerment
Gender-transformative programs advancing women's political participation, economic independence, and GBV prevention — engaging men as accountable partners for change across Iraq, Yemen, and the MENA region.
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Youth Employment & Livelihoods
Market-driven youth livelihoods programs combining labor market research, digital skills training, employer engagement, and MSME support — reaching 8,000+ youth across Iraq with explicit inclusion targets.
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Local Partner Capacity Building
Tailored organizational development for civil society organizations — proposal writing, MEL frameworks, fundraising strategy, and donor compliance — supporting 25 local organizations across Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, and Somalia.
Learn MoreFiscal Sponsorship for MENA Organizations
A US 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship umbrella enabling civil society organizations in Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Iraq, and Syria to access international donor funding, manage grants compliantly, and build donor credibility.
Learn MoreAlso offering: CVE & Rehabilitation, MEL, and Technology & GenAI for Development
See All 9 ServicesWant to Partner With Us?
We are always looking for new opportunities to collaborate with donors, implementors, and local organizations across Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, and the broader MENA region.
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