Every day, all over the world, USAID brings peace to those who endure violence, health to those who struggle with sickness, and prosperity to those who live in poverty. It is these individuals — these uncounted thousands of lives — that are the true measure of USAID’s successes and the true face of USAID's programs.
Panjawai is a major city that lies in the heart of Kandahar Province, a long-time Taliban stronghold. In 2010, Afghan and international military forces conducted clearing operations that drove the Taliban out of the area to protect the people of Panjawai from Taliban interference, intimidation, and violence.
Ongoing conflict has caused a gradual deterioration of Afghanistan’s state justice system. Despite this, Afghans have retained a centuries-old informal justice system that is based on deliberation and decisions between elders at localized levels.
Media is fundamental to building a strong, democratic Afghan nation, particularly during this time of transition. In the western province of Hirat, there are now more than 30 media outlets operating including radio, TV, online, and print publications. However, despite the growth in the popularity of the media, there has not been a corresponding increase in professional training courses for journalists to ensure quality keeps up with quantity. Journalism skills are often self-taught or out-dated and programming income drives content over audience needs.
When Iqbal Ahadi graduated from Kabul University with a de-gree in civil engineering, he wanted to build roads, but he had minimal experience. Nine years later, after working with USAID infrastructure projects throughout the country, there is hardly a road engineering job that Iqbal has not held.
USAID funds innovative programs – including the program at Opportunity International Bank – to improve access to banking services for poor families. Through the bank, Malawians’ savings are cycled back into their communities in the form of loans that help small businesses grow. In Haiti, USAID has partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to create a fund to help Haitians gain access to banking services using their mobile phones.
Baghlan Province suffers from the intrusion of insurgent elements, which are creating problems for Afghan and international security forces by contributing to drug trafficking and launching suicide attacks. The situation requires stabilization efforts to ensure security and prevent the spread of insurgency to neighboring provinces.
In just over a week, the sale of composted organic waste has raised 20,600 Afghani ($460) for the Kandahar City municipal government, the first of what is to become a regular ‘green’ revenue source for the municipality. Nutrient rich soil has been separated from trash being cleaned up as part of a project funded by USAID.
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