U.S. Embassy Opens a New Computer Laboratory at a Public School in Jbeil

November 3, 2008

Ambassador Michele J. Sison and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol inaugurated the  new computer laboratory at the Jbeil 2 Intermediate School. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Municipality of Jbeil and the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), the U.S. nongovernmental organization implementing this USAID project.   This school is part of the USAID-funded Lebanon Education Assistance for Development (LEAD) program.

With $9.5 million funding, the LEAD program is implemented by two US organizations: the OCC and the Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF). The LEAD program focuses on enhancing the infrastructure of public schools; providing science laboratory equipment, classroom equipment, and computer laboratories; implementing health, nutrition and social awareness programs; and, conducting extracurricular activities to enhance the students’ skills and learning experience.  Through the LEAD program, more than 85,000 students at 283 public schools throughout Lebanon will benefit from an improved educational environment.

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.