2007 press releases

United States Provides American Community School with $217,453 for Scholarships

February 26, 2007

While American Community School (ACS) students organized games for 20 children from Dar Al Aytam Al Islamiya, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christopher W. Murray and United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Raouf Youssef presented a check for $217,453 for scholarships to ACS Deputy Headmaster Dr. David Warren. Timed to coincide with the community service project organized by ACS students, the presentation took place at ACS in Beirut on February 26, 2007.

Service to one’s community is an important component of an American education. At ACS, the Give a Child a Smile community service program brings privileged ACS students together with under-privileged students for recreational and cultural activities. On this occasion, 20 children from Dar Al Aytam Al Islamiya enjoyed playing on the ACS playground and then enjoyed a snack. All ACS students participate in community service projects throughout their school years.

The U.S. Government’s support for ACS reflects the importance the United States accords to education, and its role in promoting a democratic and economically prosperous Lebanon. Through USAID, the United States Government has provided $217,453 in scholarship support to ACS for the 2006-2007 academic year. 180 Lebanese students from diverse regions of Lebanon are able to attend ACS and benefit from an American-style education as a result of this U.S. Government support.

USAID assistance promotes the value of American education and teaching methods through its support to four educational institutions in Lebanon: American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanese American University (LAU), International College (IC) and the American Community School (ACS).

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has worked in Lebanon since 1951, funding development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. USAID’s program promotes economic opportunities, job creation, good governance and environmental policies and practices in rural Lebanon. USAID provides $40 million assistance a year and works in partnership with U.S. and Lebanese organizations throughout the country. USAID strengthens the relationship between the people of Lebanon and the people of the United States, and promotes a shared vision of democracy and socio-economic development.

For more information about USAID’s projects in Lebanon, visit USAID’s website http://lebanon.usaid.gov.