Embassy Highlights

October 12, 2006

Children playing during the Summer Festival for Children in Baalback…

More than 2,500 children participated in a summer festival for children organized in Baalback, as part of a U.S. Government grant to Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps organized the activity in partnership with the New Youth Charitable Foundation, a local organization dedicated to supporting cultural development and programs for children. Accompanied by their parents, the children participated in group games such as football, basketball and hide and seek, organized by young facilitators.  They also enjoyed plays staged by other children. 

This festival is part of a number of community projects carried out by Mercy Corps with U.S. Government funding, targeting children and youth whose lives have been touched by the recent violence in Lebanon. Activities include Internet training, connectivity projects, sports, arts and volunteerism. Additionally USG funding will enable Mercy Corps to rehabilitate 43 schools in Nabatiye, Marjeyoun and Baalbek, renewing a community resource to return normalcy to conflict-affected areas and make a tangible investment in Lebanon's future. The U.S. Government provides $4,868,111, in funding to for relief and recovery efforts to include food and non-food assistance, access to clean and safe water and sanitarian, shelter repair, spot reconstruction of social and economic infrastructure, employment generation and psychological and social support to children and youth. The program benefits 130,000 people who are significantly affected by the recent conflict located mainly in the districts of Nabatiye, Marjayoun, Baalback and the South Beirut area.

For more information U.S. Government's relief, reconstructions, and humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, visit http://lebanon.usaid.gov.