Posted on 09/13/2006 7:07:55 PM PDT by SandRat
RADWANIYAH — As efforts continue to return normalcy to Iraqi citizens around the country, security often takes center stage. However, ensuring safety is only one part of delivering Iraq from decades of repression and stagnation under Saddam Hussein. Coalition forces are also working to empower Iraqis to take part in the economic restoration of their country.
On Sept. 2, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and local Iraqi staff celebrated the grand opening of the al-Bashair Center for Micro-Finance at the Radwaniyah Civil Military Operations Center.
The center’s opening was the culmination of an 11-month project under the combined efforts of the staff and the Soldiers from 413th Civil Affairs Battalion and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
The center in Baghdad province will provide small loans to local residents to help them start their own businesses.
“If we determine that there is a need in the community, we look for Iraqi people that know this country to help us develop the programs,” said Maj. Paul Schmidt, civil affairs officer, who also serves as an advisor for the al-Bashair center.
The operation is the first of its kind in Iraq.
“This project began with a vision almost a year ago,” said Col. Todd Ebel, commander, 2nd BCT. “It was my observation upon arrival in October that many of the resources that were being committed by the Coalition forces and the Government of Iraq were focused on the large cities. There are many citizens, who make up the majority of southern Baghdad, who are farmers and small business owners. We saw an opportunity to enable those farmers and small business owners to invest in their future.”
Workers at the center said they are optimistic about the possibilities it will bring to their fellow citizens.
“It’s a new opportunity and another project in this area,” said Ali Fahid Modec, a loan officer at the center. “Micro-finance is a new kind of program. Our best goal is to help the people become productive so they can have more progress in their lives.”
The intent of the program is designed to teach Iraqis how to start small businesses and operate successfully so the Radwaniyah community can enjoy economic prosperity.
“We try to help people understand how to use the money we give them and what they need to open their shops or markets because it is a small loan and they have to use every penny,” said Modec. “It’s not only taking the money and that’s it. They will have to pay for it, so they need to know how to run a business.”
Loans ranging from $200 to $3,000 are provided. The money is enough for the entrepreneurs to get started, but not so much that they will be crushed under the weight of the debt.
The center is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. It was provided an initial endowment of $250,000 by the non-governmental organization, which invests in developing countries throughout the world.
“We explain to them what they need to do to get a loan,” said Modec. “We gather the information and documents that we need. We fill out an application form for them, and after that, we wait two or three days for approval.”
Just in opening, the center has overcome enormous odds, but there are still challenges that the staff and potential borrowers face. Security is a major issue, but so are perceptions.
“Some people say that they cannot take the loans because they think it is against Islam,” said Tamather al-Janabi, the executive director of the center. “We do not take profits. The money we take is for the service; it goes back to the people. Some of the money goes to pay the loan officers’ salaries and our business expenses.”
The ability of the center to survive its infancy depends greatly on whether local leaders and citizens will support it.
“It’s important to have the support of the local people and the local leaders,” said Schmidt.
It is hoped that the center will help to bring peaceful change to the Radwaniyah area.
“I really do believe that if this works, it will help provide opportunities for the average Iraqi citizen,” Ebel said. “(It) will help contribute to reducing violence in the rural communities of south Baghdad.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.