USAID Supports Seven Lebanese Organizations in Mount Lebanon, Saida and Beqaa and Beirut

May 26, 2009

The U.S. Government is continuing its assistance to improve the lives of Lebanese citizens throughout Lebanon by supporting civil society organizations.  The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Acting Mission Director William D. McKinney presented checks totaling $315,254 to seven Lebanese organizations at the U.S. Embassy on May 26, 2009.  

The Missionary Sisters of the Saint Sacrament in Beit Habbak, Mount Lebanon, received $45,000 for kitchen equipment.  Nine hundred and fifty students participate in the school’s academic and vocational training programs; 100 orphaned girls live at the school.

The Friends of the Public School Paradis d’Enfants in Ghadir, Mount Lebanon, received $50,000 for computers, chairs, tables and other equipment.  This assistance will help to increase the students’ skills. 

Groupement Social Scout received $50,000 for computers, and multi-media and office equipment for the Father Chalhoub Scout House’s training center in Ghosta, Mount Lebanon. The training center teaches youth how to communicate with local and international groups, provides youth with a low cost venue for seminars, workshops and retreats, and, provides small companies with space for conferences and seminars.

The Social Relief and Welfare Association in Saida southern Lebanon received $43,000 to establish a computer laboratory to educate 300 women yearly.

The Lebanese Association of SOS Children’s Villages received $50,000 to install a heating system at its Ksarnaba center in the Beqaa. The project will benefit 124 children and 43 adults who live in the center.

The Forum of the Handicapped in Zahle in the Beqaa received $32,645 for computers and equipment for the candle workshop and physiotherapy center.  The Forum assists disabled individuals become independent members of society.

The Contact and Resource Center in Beirut received $44,609 for computers and office equipment to improve the center’s operations, enabling it to serve individuals with physical disabilities better.

USAID has worked in Lebanon since 1951, funding development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. With funds from the American people, USAID creates jobs, invests in youth and protects the environment in Lebanon.  USAID’s work reflects the strong friendship between the Lebanese and American people.