Community Stabilization Program
The Community Stabilization Program (CSP) works to achieve economic and social stability in Iraqi communities. CSP works directly with community groups, local government officials, and Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) in the development and implementation of activities that foster more productive and peaceful communities by offering programs that focus on training and employment.
CSP consists of four major components:
- Public Works and Infrastructure Projects
- Vocational Training and Apprenticeship Programs
- Micro-Small-Medium Enterprise (MSME) Business Development Programs
- Youth Activities
Public Works and Infrastructure
CSP uses both short-term and medium-term public works activities to generate visible impact quickly and to employ youths who might otherwise become involved in violence.
Short-term projects range from one to three months and use unskilled labor for activities such as garbage collection, debris clearance, street maintenance, and irrigation canal clearance.
Medium-term projects employ semi-skilled and skilled workers for construction projects, such as the rehabilitation of roads, schools, and clinics, and repairs to electric and water distribution systems.
CSP uses local contractors and employs local laborers identified by local government and community groups.
Vocational Training and Apprenticeship
Vocational training targets youth ages 17 to 25 and women. Training is offered in construction trades, including plumbing, carpentry, masonry, electrical installation, and painting/tiling. Training is provided in non-construction trades as well. Other courses include computer skills, electronics repair, auto mechanics, welding, HVAC, sewing, hair-dressing, English, and Arabic. Courses last three to 12 weeks and enroll 20 to 30 students on average per class.
Upon graduation, participants are provided tool kits, and many become self-employed in their trades. They are also encouraged to apply for CSP micro-grants to establish or to expand small businesses. CSP also links construction graduates to apprenticeships with local contractors. This type of on-the-job training lasts six to nine months. In addition, CSP assists graduates in finding private sector jobs through placement agents.
MSME Business Development Programs
CSP awards in-kind grants ranging from $500 to $25,000 to new and existing businesses. This program helps Iraqis initiate or expand businesses by providing training and financial assistance. Grants are based on:
- Potential for new jobs
- Potential for increased incomes
- Positive impact on the community
- Grantee's contribution to the project (25 percent required)
Youth Programs
CSP cooperates with community groups to refurbish and/or support youth centers, local sports clubs, and neighborhood teams, as well as to offer drama presentations, art exhibitions, and youth seminars.
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