AMERICAN FORK -- A group of Iraqi women visited American Fork on Wednesday to learn about humanitarian efforts that they can duplicate at home.

They have also visited Greenville, S.C., and made several stops in Utah. While they had some time for enjoyment, most of their trip was for serious endeavors.

The trip provided group members the opportunity to learn best practices and strategies to take back to Iraq, while allowing them to be peace ambassadors on an appreciation campaign. The appreciation has come from having been on the receiving end of containers of supplies shipped to their country from the humanitarian center in American Fork. That has included newborn kits, hygiene kits, school supplies, sewing machines and other items to help the citizens of Iraq. Several said they would like to get similar programs under way in Iraq.

"What a great example," said one woman in an introductory statement. "It is a pleasure. You are wonderful. We have heard about you a lot.

"There are two and a half million orphans in Iraq. We appreciate all the assistance you sent to Iraq. People know they are not alone when they know that you are caring about them and supporting them."

Buthaina Al-Suhail, head of the Iraq Family Society, said in an interview she would like to build on the past for the future in her country.

"I really appreciate the volunteer spirit I have seen here," she said. "It is a very wonderful thing. I would like to have the same in my country."

Azhar Abdul Karem Al-Shakly, former Iraqi Minister of State for Women Affairs and former President of Women for Future -- Iraq, spoke through a translator.

"To strengthen our society, we should strengthen our families, and the women are the key," she said, citing some ideas of another member who was unable to attend the conference. "The most important thing is to strengthen the relationships between families and inside the family itself."

"We are in need of such a project to help women who were affected by wars and the crisis done by Saddam Hussein," she said. "The most important thing is to help them spiritually -- to feel there are some people who are interested in their problems."

The Iraqi women visited the humanitarian center in American Fork during one of its weekly sessions to prepare items to be shipped to those in need around the world. They expressed appreciation and surprise.

"I am surprised to see women and men who are old working here helping other people who they do not know, even," Azhar Abdul Karem Al-Shakly said. "We hope to have the same experience in Iraq so all people are benefitted, not just sitting. Being old doesn't mean that you have no effect in your society. This is the best model to make in Iraq."

Joan Betros, chairwoman and founder of Families United Toward Universal Respect, or FUTURE, said there have been other models the women have taken in the past. They have been based on some programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but have been changed to fit any religion or group.

"They use a visiting guide program," she said. "It works from the bottom up, and women go in pairs to visit others, then report any needs to supervisors."

"We have also introduced getting together as a family on a regular basis," she said. "It is called the family unity guide program."

"You are one of the greatest examples that these incredible women could see today," she told the group in American Fork. "We see how we could put the tapestry of the family back together again, to heal a nation's women and heal the families."

Betros summed up the experience, both in South Carolina and Utah.

"This is a great way to teach them how to organize, how to teach volunteers inside the country," she said. "Cultural exchanges such as this are great examples for their community and society. We are humbled to just be a part of it."