PRESS RELEASES 2007

USAID Inspects Progress on Reconstruction Projects in Jbeil

March 20, 2007

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Raouf Youssef and Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Public Affairs and Communications Director Jeff Grieco visited the sites of two reconstruction projects that the United States is funding in Jbeil, March 20, 2007.

The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development – USAID, is providing $7 million to upgrade 209 public schools throughout Lebanon, under the Lebanon Education Assistance for Development (LEAD) program. The delegation visited Jbeil Kindergarten Public School to view the repair work to be carried out under the program. More than two hundred students attend this school. The LEAD program will provide more than 85,000 students throughout Lebanon with an adequate educational environment at their schools, through 1) repairs to school infrastructure to enhance the physical capabilities of public schools; 2) school equipment such as laboratory equipment, supplies and books; 3) awareness programs on health, nutrition and social awareness for a better learning environment; and 4) extracurricular activities to enhance the skills and learning experiences of students.

The delegation also visited the Port of Jbeil where the U.S. Government has funded oil spill clean up work to inspect the progress that has been accomplished to date. The U.S. Government provided $5 million to clean the northern shore of Lebanon from Enfeh to Jbeil. The program removed more than 31,000 plastic bags of oil-contaminated waste, trash and sludge and cleaned one hundred local fishermen’s boats. The project provided employment for 240 Lebanese fishermen affected by the oil spill. In total, 28 miles of sea shore are now free of debris and the Byblos Marina is clean. The clean up work has contributed to the rejuvenation of the economic activity of small businesses in the area.

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.