USAID Inaugurates Ahlouna Organization Center in Saida and Supports the Barja Technical School

December 22, 2008

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director, Denise A. Herbol, inaugurated the Ahlouna Organization Center in Saida and presented a check to the Barja Technical School.

The Cooperative Housing Foundation implemented the $420,000 USAID grant which funded the Ahlouna Organization Center’s construction, enhanced the capacity of the organization, and created income-generating activities especially for women, and strengthened marketing links.   Ms. Herbol visited the production facility and saw women at work, the showroom and the administrative offices.

Established in 2000, Ahlouna provides job opportunities to more than 140 women in the agribusiness sector.   Income generated from the USAID project, provides social, health, educational and household services to more than 1,200 underprivileged families in the Saida region.

USAID also assisted Ahlouna directly with a $50,000 grant to procure kitchen equipment to expand its agricultural and specialty food production unit and for showroom. This new equipment improves production capacity and increases sales revenues.
In addition, USAID presented a check for $47,000 to the Council of Islamic Affairs for the Barja Technical School.  This funding will be used for audio-visual and computer equipment, and a generator.  Barja Technical School provides certified educational and vocational training to 450 students per year.

USAID has worked in Lebanon since 1951 and implemented development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. With funds from the American people, USAID creates jobs, invests in youth and protects the environment.  USAID’s work reflects the strong friendship between the Lebanese and American people.