Success Stories » June 2012

Fruits of Daily Labor

Posted by IRD HQ

ARGHANDAB, Kandahar – Afghanistan was once known around the world for its pomegranates, grapes, apricots, and plums. But decades of conflict left many of its orchards and vineyards in ruins, crippling fruit exports and contributing to widespread unemployment. Orchards throughout southern Afghanistan are bouncing back thanks to a USAID project which is distributing more t... more

Filed Under: Conflict Mitigation, Food & Agriculture, Capacity Building, Jobs, Asia & Pacific, Afghanistan

Civil Society Coalition Calls Attention to Child Labor in Iraq

Posted by IRD HQ

Baghdad, Iraq – A community action group from the Al-Jadeeda neighborhood of Iraq's capital city has brought together representatives of local and national government as well as an area NGO to host a community-wide event highlighting the issue of child labor and what can be done to prevent it. The event followed a series of training workshops in volunteer management of... more

Filed Under: Civil Society, Youth, Middle East & North Africa, Iraq

Citizens’ Approach to a Thriving Community

Posted by IRD HQ

PAPUA, Indonesia – Papuan youth are all too often trapped in a cycle of poverty and illiteracy. Poor access to quality education, poorly trained teachers, minimal involvement by parents in their children’s education, and lack of basic health services combine to prevent youth from realizing their potential. PKBMs, or “community learning centers” are a bright spot Papua.... more

Filed Under: Civil Society, Conflict Mitigation, Education, Asia & Pacific, Indonesia

Technology Connecting Communities

Posted by IRD HQ

YAHUKIMO, Indonesia – In one of the most isolated areas of Indonesia, and possibly the world, connecting with outsiders has meant arduous and often dangerous travel by foot or small planes. The idea of remote villagers with computer access seemed ludicrous a few short months ago—but today, it is a fact. Realizing the untapped potential for learning and improving communic... more

Filed Under: Civil Society, Capacity Building, Asia & Pacific, Indonesia

Improving Media Outreach Skills in Papua

Posted by IRD HQ

PAPUA, Indonesia – Derwes Yikwa, public relations officer for the Tolikara Regional Secretariat office, used to struggle to convince Papuan media outlets to take up his press releases. But that changed once he got some training – which changed both his attitude about outreach and his techniques. Firmansyah & Friends (F&F), with the support of  the SERASI pro... more

Filed Under: Civil Society, Conflict Mitigation, Capacity Building, Asia & Pacific, Indonesia