As part of IF's Maysan NGO Capacity Building Project (MNCB), which was launched last August, IF successfully held its first workshop for Maysan-based NGOs in Sulaimaniya from November 15 to November 20, 2008. This workshop trained ten NGOs from the Maysan Governorate on strategies to empower these organizations. Strategic planning, project proposal design and project management, advocacy and networking, governance and management, and financial planning were covered during this workshop. The participating NGOs represent diverse missions and sector interest, as well as the services they provide to their communities. In addition to representatives from the NGOs, IF's Chief Operating Officer, Selwa Gailani, as well as MNCB staff attended the workshop.