2006 press releases
United States Provides $210,000 for Scholarships to the American Community School
October 20, 2006Against the backdrop of an iftar hosted by the American Community School for 50 children without families to care for them, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Raouf Youssef presented a check for $210,000 to the American Community School (ACS), in Beirut on October 20, 2006. The money provides funding for scholarships to ACS
Community service is an important component of an American education. The iftar is just one of many community service projects carried out by ACS students during the year. In presenting the check to ACS for scholarships, Mr. Youssef noted that the funds were a donation from the American people and reflected America’s commitment to Lebanon and the Lebanese people. He cited President Bush’s comments at an iftar hosted at the White House, saying that Americans recognize that Ramadan is a special time of prayer and fasting, contemplation of God's greatness, and charity and service to those in need. “We are proud to support the American Community School and we are proud that its students are generous to those in need,” he told the media.
The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provided $300,000 in scholarship support to ACS for the 2005-2006 academic year. Through this U.S. Government support, 104 Lebanese students from diverse regions of Lebanon are able to attend ACS and benefit from an American-style education.
The U.S. Government’s support for ACS reflects the importance the United States accords to education, and its role in promoting a democratic and economically prosperous Lebanon. As President Bush said in the 2006 State of the Union, “For people everywhere, the United States is a partner for a better life.” USAID assistance also promotes the value of American education and teaching methods through its support to four educational institutions in Lebanon: American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanese American University (LAU), International College (IC) and the American Community School (ACS).
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 at http://lebanon.usaid.gov.