Just thought you should know this!
USAID has really contributed to PRTs (Provincial reconstruction team) that assists local governing councils in developing transparency, increased security and rule of law, and the capability to promote political and economic development.
Today current efforts are focusing on assisting provincial councils in the development of strategic developments plans that will guide Iraqi reconstruction and development investments over the next five year.
USAID through PRTs and its local governance program sponsored seven regional conferences. These conferences has resulted in a draft local government code which will be introduced in the council of representatives in its next session.
USAID is strenghtening the efficiency, responsiveness, transparency, and accountabillity of local goernments throughout Iraq. Participation and the success of local governing institutions diminishes the “winner take all syndrom”.
Just to let you know what USAIDs programs have done for Iraqs governance programs and Democracy.
· 16 provincial councils elected and operational
· 96 district, 195 city & 437 neighbourhood councils established.
· 31,000 long term jobs created
· 26,700 months of short-term employment
· 4,897 community projects completed
· 1,500 Civil Society Organizations and 31,000 persons trained, 250 grants for advocacy
· Trained over 2,000 council members, 10% were women.
· Technical assistance provided to 5,000 department and ministry officials, 20% were women.
· Conducted 22,000 democracy with 750,000 Iraqi participants
· Trained more then 650 or 87% of the new provincial council members elected in January, 2004
· Over 1,000 CSOs covering over 5,000 people trained in advocacy campaigning
· Established and trained over 1,400 Community Action Groups.
· $14 million in community support of community action projects
· 750 professional staff mobilized and trained to continue implementing Local governance and CAP programs.
With participation comes responsibility and when the Iraqis feel that they are a part of Iraq and the future of Iraq, this is what USAID is trying to do. And I am seeing this happening at this moment, with reduced violence and more understanding about the situation they are in, Iraq will be a good place to live in the near future.
All they need now is a REVAL and SOON!!