BAGHDAD — The relationship among citizens of the Jamiya neighborhood and their local leaders took a step forward at the Jamiya Tribal Support Council in northwest Baghdad, Aug 25.
The council worked with Soldiers from 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division — Baghdad and the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion to open up the council hall to train young Iraqis basic computer and sewing skills.
"These classes are beneficial because it gives women and computer users the skills necessary to obtain jobs and to succeed in the economy," said Capt. Paul Nieves, a native of Puerto Rico, with the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion. "Dr. Amal, the head of the Thagalaya Strategic Study Center Islamic Foundation for Women and Children, conceived this idea in order to help advance women in the local community."
The TSSCIFWC understood that Iraqis with more education have less of a chance to turn to insurgency.
"These classes are a great chance to help women, especially the widowed and less fortunate," said Sheik Majid of the Jamiya Tribal Support Council.
Women who showed up to the course learned professional sewing skills, which could help start a business.
"The sewing classes last two hours every day for a two week course and accommodate 40 local women. After the graduation, the women are given a sewing machine to help them get started."
To help Iraqi computer users get started, the Soldiers and the council put together a computer class that focuses on Microsoft products.
"The computer classes accommodate 20 people per class. In these classes, young people learn the basics of Windows and Microsoft Office, focusing on Word and PowerPoint," said Majid. "These computer classes are key in preparing young people to succeed in college."
The project is intended to be 10 weeks long and educate 200 women on sewing and 100 young people in computer technology.
The Soldiers and the community leaders plan on expanding the program to better benefit the people of northwest Baghdad.
"This project was a great opportunity to work jointly with the community leaders of Jamiya. Both U.S. forces and the Jamiya Tribal Support Council desire to expand the project in order to positively affect more people," said Capt. Thomas Wilson, a native of LeClaire, Iowa, 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt. "Sheikh Majid, the Tribal Support Council, and other community leaders took the lead on this project and are a perfect example of Iraqis unselfishly working together in order to make Iraq a better place."