EMBASSY HIGHLIGHTS

Children Enjoy Green Space with Help from the American People

May 31, 2007

Young girls plant flowers in a park in Baalback...

As a response to the needs of individuals and youth who have been affected by the July 2006 conflict, the U.S. Government is funding the construction of a number of parks and sports playgrounds in several Lebanese areas, including Baalbek, Hermel, Nabatiyeh, Marjeyoun and the southern suburbs of Beirut. In the photo, young girls plant flowers with their name tags placed on them in a newly constructed park in the village of Iaat in Baalback. Equipped with a multi-purpose playground for children, a botanical garden and a water fountain, this park constitutes a secure and healthy environment for children to play freely. As a local contribution to the project, the Municipality of Iaat generously donated the land, while members of the community donated $1,000 to add benches.

This initiative falls within the U.S. Government-funded Emergency Response and Recovery in Lebanon program implemented by Mercy Corps. Funded at a level of $13.2 million, the program aims to provide targeted humanitarian assistance for the most vulnerable households, while working through local partners to distribute essential food and non-food items, water, sanitation and hygiene systems. The program also promotes economic recovery and social infrastructure rehabilitation activities, in addition to psychological activities targeting children and youth. More than 700,000 beneficiaries in more than 104 villages will be reached by July 2007.

For the most up-to-date information on U.S. assistance to Lebanon, please read the Lebanon Situation Reports available at http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/.

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