Map of Program Initiatives
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On August 4, 2003, the Governor of Karbala, Akram Annaseri, visited CHF International project sites and said, "By implementing its projects on the ground, CHF International has proven to the Iraqis that it is truly a humanitarian organization that has the utmost credibility among the people of Iraq and especially the residents of Karbala.”

REVITALIZING COMMUNITIES, STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY: The Iraq Community Action Program (ICAP) is designed to give people the opportunity to participate in - and gain confidence in - the democratic process at the local-level. CHF International is helping community residents form associations made up of men and women -- in total, more than 800 Iraqis, 40% of them women and youth -- into groups that have traditionally been under-represented in the decision-making process.

CHF International is supporting community associations with access to ideas, information, tools, and funding that will allow them to determine their own future. The associations are learning to operate democratically, with open meetings and decisions, ensuring that they are responsive to the citizens they represent.

CHF International is actively assisting nearly 60 communities to define their priority revitalization projects. The 32 projects underway as of August 6th focus on improving the environment and rebuilding essential infrastructure, while also creating employment and improving economic opportunities. In keeping with democratic principles, CHF International works with the community associations to establish procedures for contracting goods and services that are fair and transparent.

Taking on a leadership role can be a challenge for people used to accepting top-down directives, particularly in societies where one ethnic, religious or political group has dominated, but CHF International has a history of success in engaging people from diverse backgrounds and helping them work together to identify and prioritize problems whose solutions will benefit all.

CHF International and four other nongovernmental organizations will implement ICAP, supported by the United States Agency for International Development. The program was modeled on successful CHF International programs in Serbia, Montenegro, and Lebanon.