U.S. Embassy Announces Grants for Workers Health and Traffic Safety

April 7, 2009

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Lebanon awarded three new grants through its Transparency & Accountability Grants (TAG) program implemented by AMIDEAST. 

The TAG program is providing the American University of Beirut, Faculty of Public Health, working in partnership with the Syndicate of Bakery Owners and the Syndicate of Bakery Workers, with a $50,000 grant.  The grant will increase awareness about existing legislation which addresses workers’ health and safety issues and encourage the enforcement of legislation. 

The U.S. Government continues to support the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities by giving KunHadi, a non-governmental organization, a $50,000 grant to work in partnership with the Ministry.   With the grant, public awareness materials, including television shorts, will be developed to promote road safety and respect for driving laws. 

The Daily Star, the only English-language newspaper in Lebanon, will use its $49,900 grant to produce a weekly one-page section for six months.  This special page will increase access by readers to information on issues such as education, environment, health, women’s rights, consumer concerns, protection of minorities, migration, migrant workers and government reform. 

The TAG program, initiated in 2001, is a $9.3 million project that awards small grants to civil society organizations throughout Lebanon.  The grants focus on increased transparency, accountability and good governance, and mobilize organizations to take initiative and play an active reform role.

USAID, which has been working in Lebanon since 1951, has provided over $486 million in development assistance since 2006.  Working throughout Lebanon,
USAID forms partnerships with the Lebanese government, civil society organizations, and local citizens to implement projects in several areas, including education, environment, economic growth, and to promote democracy and good governance.