The excitement that the first 14 new graduates of the Iraqi Construction Apprentice Program (ICAP) felt as they accepted their certificates can be seen in the faces of these men who realize that they are free to choose a career and life for themselves for the first time in decades. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Spirit of America was able to provide new tools and tools belts to ICAP as part of the graduation ceremony from the program that trains local Iraqi men ages 14-25 in basic construction.

Working in Al Anbar Province, Iraq with the ICAP which is overseen by the First Marine Expeditionary Force Engineer Group (I MEG)and uses instructors from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion's "Seabees" unit, SoA was able to provide the tools necessary for these 14 Iraqi men who trained as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, concrete masons and construction inspectors. Combined with their training, these tools will enable the men to begin a new career and create a different life for themselves and their families. The kits contained tools intrinsic to the professions for which the men trained such as trowels, wrenches, safety glasses, screwdrivers, and hammers along with items to make their "tradesman's uniform" complete including a hardhat, tools belt and measuring tape.

Credit goes to the 14 graduates who literally risked their lives everyday to attend the school that they knew meant a new chance at meaningful employment. The training program is divided into two stages, beginning with six to eight weeks of classroom and hands-on instruction followed by four to six weeks of on-the-job training. Seeing a future before them in which they could support their families, provide a good living and enjoy their work must have looked great to these men, for not one attendee missed a single day of school!

The tools and training that the new graduates have received will not only improve their lives personally, but will them to be a part of building a new future for Iraq-literally! Even as the trainees were learning, they were already helping to build a new medical clinic for the local Iraqi National Guard.

The response to the ICAP program has been so incredible that the first shipment of 300 complete sets of tools donated by Spirit of America ran out in October! Marine Lieutenant John Mark Serre who is involved with ICAP writes:

"Things are going great...at the various sites! We currently have over 130 students learning masonry, carpentry, electrical and plumbing skills with more on the way in the near future. The Spirit of America tools continue to be a key motivator for the new students and a huge enabler for the graduates that we employ with local contractors upon completion of the program."

SoA friends and donors responded to Lieutenant Serre's request that for additional tools and tools belts by donating $74,347 in 72 hours!! So be on the lookout for great news about future graduations.