Success Story: Literacy Campaign Empowers Iraqi Women, Engages Local Communities
USAID project boosts women's literacy in southern Iraqi provinces of Maysan, Qadissiyah, and Wassit
April, 2007
USAID's literacy program in Wassit began in November 2006 and attracted more than 2,000 Iraqi women
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Fatima* enrolled in the literacy program to help her daughter with schoolwork
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Fatima*, a 40 year-old mother from Wassit province, feels more confident these days. Since USAID began its literacy campaign for women in her area, Fatima has attended every class, moti-vated by hopes of a more promising future and of being a better parent. Because of the program, she says, "The road is paved to achieve my dream, and from now on I will never be shy when my young daughter asks me to teach her."
USAID's women's literacy campaign is part of its Community Action Program (CAP). Implemented by USAID partners, the campaign targets women in Maysan, Qadissiyah, and Wassit, and a roll-out in Basrah is expected soon. The response from the community has been encouraging, with thousands of Iraqi women taking advantage of the two-part program. During the six-month Foundation Stage, participants learn to read and write. They can then choose to enroll in an Optimizing Stage, also six months, which includes lessons in Arabic, science mathematics, culture and social behavior, and psychological support.
Beyond the obvious benefit of empowering women with literacy and knowledge, the program provides job opportunities for hundreds of previously unemployed teachers. One female instructor, who suffered from isolation and depression stemming from a physical disability incurred in childhood, credits the literacy campaign not only with providing her a job, but a place in the community as well. The woman has been cited by Iraq's Department of Education as one of the program's most active instructors.
In several cities, USAID refurbished classrooms used for the literacy program, supplying desks and blackboards to create environments more conducive to learning. As the courses are taught in local schools, the classroom renovations also benefited primary and high school students.
* Name has been changed
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