Mission Director Visits USAID Educational Projects in Zahrieh and Minieh in North Lebanon

May 7, 2009

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol visited two USAID-funded projects worth $99,000 in the areas of Zahrieh (Tripoli) and Minieh in North Lebanon on May 6.

The Safadi Foundation Computer Training Centers received $50,000 from USAID to procure 91 computers for computer centers in: Batroun, Koura, Qobbeh, Zahrieh, Minieh, El Mina, Abi Samra, Halba and Mouharrem. The Safadi Foundation provides free-of-charge computer and English language courses to disadvantaged youth to develop their professional skills to enter the job market.  Ms. Herbol toured the Zahrieh center featuring 12 computers and met with some of the hundreds of young students benefitting from the center’s services.

In Minieh, Ms. Herbol visited the Nabi Kzayber Mixed School to view Braille equipment for the visually impaired, purchased with a $49,000 USAID grant to the Youth Association for the Blind. Nabi Kzayber is one of three schools to benefit from this inclusive system for the visually impaired.  Ms. Herbol met with six students using the system and observed a product demonstration. With this equipment, visually impaired students are now able to access a wide variety of books, study materials and other training material in Braille.  As an added benefit, students can easily transport Braille documents using USB drives, instead of having to carry heavy books from one location to another. Seventeen Nabi Kzayber students are benefiting from the equipment which will also be available to students from surrounding schools.

USAID has worked in Lebanon since 1951 and implemented development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. With funds from the American people, USAID creates jobs, invests in youth and protects the environment.  These programs reflect USAID’s continued focus on supporting education in Lebanon.