The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced an initial $7.9 million award to the North Carolina-based Research Triangle Institute (RTI) to promote Iraqi participation in Iraq's post-conflict reconstruction.
Providing the people of Iraq, and in particular women, the opportunity to participate in public decision-making and stimulate local initiatives is a key component of the US government's assistance program for Iraq.
Under the USAID contract RTI will provide technical assistance to strengthen local administrations, civic institutions and civil society. RTI, an independent, non-profit organization based in Research Triangle Park will create programs to increase management skills, knowledge and capacity of local administrators to direct services such as water, health, and public sanitation and in areas such as economic governance.
A provision in the contract allows RTI to authorize grants to both Iraqi and foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to improve municipal infrastructure, assist local NGOs with capacity building and undertake training programs in communications, conflict resolution, leadership skills and political analysis.
All activities under the RTI contract will target underrepresented or "at risk" groups, including organizations that promote women's rights and strive to help youth and minority groups to participate in the political process.
The local governance contract is part of USAID's planned reconstruction assistance to the Iraqi people, aimed at helping maintain stability, ensure the delivery of essential services, and facilitate economic recovery. This is one of eight initial requests for proposals (RFPs) issued by USAID as part of its overall relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
