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Local Leadership
Councils or shura give the community a voice. Working through the councils requires community ownership, community involvement and develops local leadership - all essential for achieving long-term sustainability.
Afghans govern themselves through a Jirga system which is an assembly of shura. Loya Jirga or Grand Assembly is a nationwide shura gathering.
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Community Empowerment
The NGO programs that succeed in Afghanistan have strong support from the people they serve. Direct community involvement in all aspects of a program from planning through implementation is key to making long term, positive impacts.
IFHope works closely with the local shura (community councils of elders) in Jalalabad to implement its horticulture and agriculture programs. The Foundation has established shura in all 22 administrative districts and five precincts of Nangarhar Province. Special interest shura have also been created, representing nomads, youth, academics, religious minorities and writers. For the first time, Afghan women have their own shura as well.
The Community Council is the Vehicle for Rebuilding
  
(click photos for better detail)
The shura settle local disputes, run elections and do community planning. In Nangarhar, seven district shura agreed to ban poppy planting in 2005. Their decision was instrumental in reducing poppy cultivation in Nangarhar Province by 90% this year.
A Council of Nangarhar Communities meets regularly to coordinate and prioritize the needs of the 36 shura and to interface with provincial government departments and other NGOs.
Women Have a Voice Through Their Own Council
  
(click photos for better detail)
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