Promise Fulfilled: Former Sons of Iraq Continue Vocational Skills Training

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^ | 1st Lt. Scott Lewis, USA

[SandRat]

Former Sons of Iraq members work on a solar-powered device used to heat water while attending a Demobilization, Demilitarization and Reintegration Center course in western Adhamiyah, March 12. This machine will enable Iraqi families to have hot water in their homes. Photo by 1st Lt. Scott Lewis, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

BAGHDAD — The classrooms bustle with activity as former Sons of Iraq members attend a Demobilization, Demilitarization and Reintegration (DDR) Center here to learn the skills necessary to make a living and support their families.

This DDR Center in western Adhamiyah offers courses in surveying, electricity, mechanics, generator repair and solar energy.

“We here in Adhamiyah are so happy [that] Coalition forces are supporting this project,” said Mokdad Hassan, a local tribal support council member. “The project helps the people of Adhamiyah by providing trade skills to local unemployed people. After graduating the program, they continue to assist the people of Adhamiyah by providing a local work force.”

Each neighborhood is allowed to nominate ten names for attendance to each cycle of the DDR program. There are four DDR Centers in the district of Adhamiyah offering instruction in four trade skills.

While attending the six-month class rotation, each student receives a monthly stipend of $350 to help them get by while training. At the end of the program, after passing the final exam, the students are awarded certificates of completion.

The program is designed to take selected Sons of Iraq members from their checkpoints to the classrooms. The goal is to provide them with essential job skills that are in high demand.

[SandRat]

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