Imams Explore Development Efforts

By learning more about development issues and approaches, imams can use their role as community leaders to raise public awareness and facilitate greater citizen participation in local development efforts.

Imams learn about various development efforts including health and family planning.
(Photo: NSDP).

USAID/ Bangladesh's "Leaders Outreach Initiative" promotes the involvement of local religious leaders (imams) in development efforts in the communities they serve. The new program is being implemented at seven imam training academies around the country, under the auspices of the Islamic Foundation of Bangladesh (IFB).

Imams are leaders of the Muslim faith and are well-respected in Bangladesh. While many development programs exist, the general public is not always conscious of what is being done to improve their country. More importantly, not all people are aware of what they can do to enhance their living conditions, especially among the poor in rural areas. Imams are an influential group who can effectively spread the message and encourage development activities in all levels of society.

As part of the 45-day training course, USAID sponsors three days to introduce the participants to development activities. The imams explore a variety of topics, learn about what USAID is doing in Bangladesh, and discuss how their influence can bolster national development by guiding the members of their communities. USAID also exposes the leaders to the challenges and successes of development in Bangladesh. Imams get hands-on exposure by visiting an array of USAID activities, where they meet the project implementers and are able to speak directly with the beneficiaries.

Over an 18-month period, nearly 5,000 imams will participate in sessions and learn about activities in democracy, human rights, family health, economic development, education, and several other USAID programs.

The effort to reach out to influential leaders in Bangladesh remains a priority for USAID. By learning more about development issues and approaches, imams can utilize their role as community leaders to raise public awareness and increase citizen participation in developing their towns and villages.

Read more about USAID/Bangladesh's Success Stories.