SIKA-WEST WEEKLY BULLET POINTS NO. 105: March 11-17, 2014

The program is implemented by AECOM, with support from the Ghor Provincial Youth Association, the Department of Women's Affairs (DoWA), and the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC). A key component of the SIKA-West program is the provision of training and capacity-building activities for local communities. In March 2014, a two-day training on "Women's Rights" was conducted for 31 women in Ghor Province. The training covered topics such as human rights, civil rights, and basic human rights, including life, liberty, and personal security. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the training and indicated that they would share the information with their families and friends. The SIKA-West program also focuses on infrastructure development and economic growth. In the week of March 11-17, 2014, the program's monitoring and evaluation personnel visited 29 projects in progress in various districts, including Bala Boluk, Pusht-e Rod, and Qadis. The program is also providing support to the Shindand District Municipality to prepare their annual work plan. In addition to training and infrastructure development, the SIKA-West program is working to promote stability and security in the region. In March 2014, a coordination meeting was held with representatives of 20 Civil Society Organizations to discuss the upcoming service providers' fair in Herat Province. The program is also providing support to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) in Farah Province to raise awareness among women about the importance of the upcoming election. The SIKA-West program has made significant progress in terms of grant approvals and project implementation. As of March 2014, 279 projects valued at $5,955,732 have been approved by USAID, with 167 projects valued at $3,848,036 currently under implementation. The program has also completed 86 projects valued at $954,345. The SIKA-West program is working in several provinces, including Farah, Badghis, Herat, and Ghor. In Farah Province, the program is supporting the development of a Service Providers Catalogue (SPC) and providing training to local government staff. In Badghis Province, the program is working to promote stability and security through the provision of training and capacity-building activities. In Herat Province, the program is supporting the development of infrastructure and promoting economic growth. In Ghor Province, the program is working to promote stability and security through the provision of training and capacity-building activities. The SIKA-West program has a significant impact on the local communities, with many projects showing positive results. For example, a recently completed water divider in Haji Abad village in Bala Boluk District has improved the lives of local residents. The program is also working to promote education and awareness among local communities, with a public meeting planned to highlight the importance of education. Overall, the SIKA-West program is making significant progress in terms of stability and economic growth in western Afghanistan. The program's focus on training, infrastructure development, and economic growth has led to positive results, and the program continues to work towards its goals of promoting stability and security in the region.