Najaf
Najaf is home to the Tomb of Imam Ali, one of the most important Shi’a pilgrimage sites in the world. It is estimated that only Mecca and Medina receive more Muslim pilgrims annually. In 2008, the province’s population was estimated to be approximately 900,000 people. The economy of the province is overwhelmingly dependent on religious tourism, including a large number of Shi’a pilgrims from Iran.
PRT Najaf is headed by a senior State Department Foreign Service Officer who leads a team of experts in areas such as tourism development, urban planning, and agriculture. PRT Najaf supports a wide range of activities to achieve four major goals: good governance, political development, economic development and rule of law. Programs focus on fostering, developing, and coordinating provincial leadership, assisting legal organizations including the courts, supporting educational institutions, and facilitating the business community, specifically in the areas of small business development, agriculture, tourism and transportation. From encouraging the delivery of essential services and advising on budget execution, to working with the chamber of commerce, the PRT works with Najafis at a variety of levels and organizations to achieve strategic goals.
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Al-Abbassiah Agriculture Extension Service Center
The Agriculture Extension Service and PRT Najaf marked the handover of new farm equipment in Najaf.
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Najaf PRT Opens Abu Sukair Farmer’s Market
The Najaf Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) held an opening ceremony for the Abu Sukair Farmer‘s Market on June 29
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PRT Najaf Hands over Al Mahajeer Public Health Center and Al Gharbiah Vehicle Bridge
The U.S. Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Najaf co-hosted a ceremony for the successful completion of the Al Mahajeer Al Gharbiah Public Health Center.
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English Language Specialists Visit Najaf to Bolster Teaching
Two English Language Specialists from the Embassy in Baghdad conducted a two-day training program in Najaf.
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PRT Najaf and the Iraqi Journalists Union Host Celebrations
Robin Diallo from the Najaf PRT, joined with Iraqi journalists participated in two celebrations to mark Iraqi Press Freedom Day.
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Najaf PRT Supports NGO Efforts with Widows
The Najaf PRT has provided a grant to the Al Hurria Women's Center to build greenhouses and train widows to develop a source of incomes.
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PRT Najaf Helps Launch Internet Center for Women
The Al Nur Internet Center for Women, a project supported by the Najaf Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), was officially opened.