Bridges
Building Bridges with Iraqi NGOs in Central and Southern Iraq
Since 2007
Overview
The Bridges Project aimed to support newly established NGOs in Iraq by providing training and fostering relationships between NGOs from central and southern Iraq and their counterparts in Kurdistan. Over the course of the project, ASK interviewed 25 NGOs from each of the 15 provinces and selected five from each to participate. In addition, several well-established NGOs from Kurdistan, such as Badlisy Cultural Center, CDO, and Asuda, participated in the project to help guide and collaborate with their counterparts.
Duration
The Bridges Project ran from 2005 to 2007, focusing on developing Iraq's civil society post-war. Over two years, ASK selected and trained NGOs from 15 provinces, culminating in workshops held in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah in March 2007. These sessions aimed to strengthen the capacity of local NGOs and foster collaboration between organizations from central Iraq and Kurdistan.
Benificiary
75 NGOs were involved , These NGOs were selected from 15 Iraqi provinces, including several NGOs from Kurdistan, such as Badlisy Cultural Center, CDO, and Asuda.
Cities
1. Anbar
2. Diyala
3. Baghdad
4. Nineveh (Mosul)
5. Erbil
6. Sulaymaniyah
7. Babylon
8. Basra
9. Dhi Qar
10. Karbala
11. Kirkuk
12. Maysan
13. Najaf
14. Qadisiyyah
15. Wasit
Financial
The project was funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization committed to promoting democratic institutions and civil society around the world.
Selection Process
The Bridges Project followed a structured selection process to identify participating NGOs:
Nomination: ASK worked with coordinators in each province, distributing participation forms to 15-20 NGOs in central and southern Iraq (e.g., Anbar, Diyala, Baghdad, Mosul).
Submission: NGOs interested in participating submitted their forms, with around 15 responses from each province.
Evaluation: A selection team, including provincial coordinators and the project coordinator Ayad Khaled, evaluated the forms based on the organizations' activities and efficiency.
Final selection: From each province, 5 NGOs were chosen by the coordinators, with the final list approved by the project manager, Dr. Salah Aziz. A total of 25 NGOs were selected, with additional NGOs from Erbil and other provinces in Kurdistan added later.
Regarding documents
Access to Information_Arabic.pptDr. Abdul Salam Madani’s Lecture:
Donor Relations and Support – Dr. Abdul Salam focused on how NGOs can effectively build relationships with donors. The lecture covered strategies for securing funding, understanding donor expectations, and maintaining transparency to ensure sustainable support for NGO projects.
Aziz Building BridgesPresentation.pptDr. Salah Aziz’s Lecture:
What are NGOs” – This lecture provided an in-depth introduction to the role and structure of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Dr. Salah Aziz discussed the essential functions of NGOs, their importance in civil society, and how they can drive positive social change, particularly in post-conflict regions like Iraq.
تقرير من منظمات شباب الجنوب.docReport on South Youth Organization
The lecture introduced the role and structure of NGOs, emphasizing their importance in civil society and their potential to drive social change in post-conflict areas like Iraq. Dr. Salah Aziz outlined their key functions, while Mr. Firas Al-Khatib shared news of an unexpected nomination for the South Youth Organization in Takamul Network activities in Bahrain and Yemen. However, Mr. Firas, later dismissed for human rights violations, was found uninvolved. An investigation is requested, supported by available documents: invitation letters, delegation updates, and dismissal confirmation.
تقرير من منظمات شباب الجنوب-٢.docMeeting Report: National Youth Network Coordinators
A meeting was held for the coordinators of the National Youth Network from various southern provinces. Participants discussed past activities, addressed coordination challenges, and emphasized the need for improved communication. The performance of the Nasiriyah coordinator was reviewed, leading to his dismissal due to inactivity. Attendees agreed on the importance of regular updates, future training opportunities, and upcoming elections for the Nasiriyah office team. The meeting concluded with a shared lunch, fostering camaraderie among coordinators.