Embassy Highlights

Children Attend School with Enhanced Learning Environment Provided by the American People

Kindergarten students in Sowaneh Intermediate School study in their newly painted class.

November 13, 2006

The U.S. Government is responding to the needs of citizens in areas that have been affected by the latest conflict through the rehabilitation of public schools. Located in Bint Jbeil, the Sowaneh Intermediate School accommodates 125 students of all ages and is one of the numerous schools that have been rehabilitated with U.S. Government funds through the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). The U.S. Government provides an average of $20,000 per school for rehabilitation and renovation work. The rehabilitation of this specific school involved the paining of all classroom walls with cheerful colors specifically for kindergarten classes, the replacement of all war-damaged aluminum window frames and glasses, the rehabilitation of the school’s toilets, the installation of a potable water fountain for the students as well as the installation of new door handles and hardware. Furthermore, the project will provide job opportunities to returnee engineers, craftsmen and workers.

This U.S. Government funded project through IOCC addresses the needs of vulnerable people returning to the villages and towns in the districts of Bint Jbeil, Marjeyoun. Hasbeyya and seven villages in Tyre, where IOCC is well established and has been implementing its school feeding and education program during the past five years. Funded at a level of $1,999,427 by the United States, this program aims at supporting 350,000 residents in 65 South villages through water and sanitation interventions, distribution of educational material for psychological support, infrastructure rehabilitation of 23 public schools and distribution of emergency relief supplies for 2,900 vulnerable families.

For the most up-to-date information on U.S. assistance to Lebanon, please read the USAID Lebanon Situation Reports.