September 27, 2011

Fulbright Scholar Supports USAID Iraq Community Development Program

Training in Technology Makes Development Program More Effective

In 2007, Jambally Mohamed began working with ACDI/VOCA’s Iraq Community Action Program (ICAP) as a community development officer, addressing community needs. Under this U.S. Agency for International Development-funded project, he assisted volunteer community groups in Iraq’s northern region to identify, prioritize and develop over $1.3 million worth of infrastructure and service delivery projects.

“The one program that is working in Iraq”

ICAP has been a fixture in establishing effective and responsive Iraqi local government institutions since 2003. On the floor of the House of Representatives in 2007, Congressman Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) called ICAP “the one program that is in fact working in Iraq.”

Under this program Jambally helped communities rehabilitate electrical and potable water supply systems, construct health and waste treatment facilities, and provide supplies for schools, hospitals and sport clubs. A talented translator and writer with a degree in English-Arabic translation and experience in program development and management, Jambally excelled in project oversight and community outreach.

Mutually reinforcing U.S. Programs

In July 2009, he was selected to study in the United States on a Fulbright scholarship. He received a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies at Texas Tech University, with a focus on geographic information systems (GIS) and community planning.

His story is a good example of mutually reinforcing U.S. programs. After graduating with a 4.0 GPA, Jambally returned to Iraq and the Community Action Program, where he continues to assist the Iraqi people, but now with more advanced skills. As a translation officer/community development analyst, he uses GIS and other systems to analyze community data such as resource distribution and demographics.

Jambally is tasked with designing and producing detailed maps for each of the program’s areas of work using GIS software. When completed, the maps will be used by ACDI/VOCA, community action groups, local councils, USAID and partners to better understand the status of development activities and plan for the future.

Making people happy

Jambally is happy that the education he received in the U.S. has helped his career and has proven useful to his country. He hopes to continue working in the community development field for USAID or other international organizations.

"My favorite aspect of this job is that we make people happy," explains Jambally. "Even years later, when CAG members see me, they stop to thank me for the work the program did in their communities.”