2005 press releases

USAID Inaugurates two Humanitarian Projects; Visits the New Site of a Solid Waste Treatment Center in Zahle

September 13, 2005

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Raouf Youssef inaugurated two U.S.-funded humanitarian projects and visited the site of a solid waste treatment center in Zahle on September 13, 2005.

The two Lebanese organizations that received funding from USAID work in the humanitarian fields of care for the physically and mentally disabled and children with special needs. USAID’s assistance directly benefited more than 124 disabled individuals, including youth, through creating job opportunities, as well as providing special education and vocational training.

The Disabled Forum – Montada Al Moqadin – received $32,000 from USAID to furnish the center’s physiotherapy department, computer center, candle production unit, and other equipment to enhance the center’s rendered services. USAID’s assistance will help the physically disabled become independent and productive citizens in the community, as well as spread awareness on the rights of the disabled in society.

Days of Hope received $50,000 from USAID to improve and develop the cooking and food production unit/catering section of the center. The food production unit provides income-generating opportunities for mentally disabled youth. The center’s vocational training program features sewing, weaving, catering and food processing, farming, poultry and egg production, wax production, and carpentry. More than 79 mentally disabled individuals directly benefit from the center’s services.

Mr. Youssef also visited the solid waste landfill in Zahle, which USAID will upgrade to become a full capacity solid waste treatment center, at an investment level of $2.8 million by USAID. This environmental project will be implemented in partnership with the Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) and the Municipality of Zahle. The upgraded waste treatment facility is designed to serve 250,000 residents in 16 villages in the Beqaa, with the capacity to expand to serve 26 communities in the future

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 www.usaidlebanon.org.lb