2005 press releases

USAID Presents $143,000 to two Lebanese Organizations, One University

August 18, 2005

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Raouf Youssef presented on August 18, 2005 $143,000 to two Lebanese organizations and a university at the U.S. Embassy in Awkar.

Located in Bourj Hammoud, Tripoli and Kaslik, the three Lebanese organizations work in the fields of basic education, socio-economic development, vocational training and higher learning. The three projects will directly benefit more than 1,800 Lebanese students from throughout Lebanon.

USAID presented checks to the following organizations:

1) $21,000 to Tarakki School in Bourj Hammoud to improve the computer training classes and the resource library, as well as furnish audio-visual and educational materials to the school. Tarakki School currently accommodates 275 students coming from different Lebanese regions. USAID’s assistance will enhance the school’s capabilities in delivering Information Technology courses and research facilities that would not have been available otherwise.

2) $34,000 to Makhzoumi Foundation in Tripoli to open its fifth civic center in Tripoli, with the purpose of providing vocational training that will benefit 1,248 students per year. USAID’s assistance will provide the center with basic equipment, including audio-visual materials and specialized equipment. Courses offered include hairdressing, electrical reparation and photography.

3) $88,000 to Universite Saint Esprit de Kaslik (USEK) to implement a research center in agro-food at the University premises in Kaslik. The project aims at equipping the center with agro-food equipment, with the purpose of educating students and farmers on advanced agribusiness technologies.

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 $35 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 web site.