2007 press releases

United States Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry of Education to Upgrade Lebanese Public Schools

March 12, 2007

U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Raouf Youssef and Minister of Education and Higher Education Khaled Kabbani signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Ministry of Education on Saturday, March 10, 2007, to work together to upgrade more than 200 public primary, intermediary and secondary schools. The project, the Lebanon Education Assistance for Development (LEAD), will benefit more than 85,000 students from all Lebanese governorates.

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development – USAID, awarded $7 million agreements to two organizations – International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) – to carry out the school rehabilitation project. Schools in economically disadvantaged areas will receive special attention. Through LEAD, the United States will fund 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 LEAD program is a component of the more than $230 million in humanitarian, reconstruction and security assistance to Lebanon announced by President Bush on August 21, 2006.The school rehabilitation initiative is one of a number of ways the United States is offering support to the Lebanese people as they recover and rebuild.

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.