USAID Lebanon: From the American People
 

PRESS RELEASE

U.S. GOVERNMENT INAUGURATES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO COMMUNITIES SURROUNDING THE NAHR AL BARID PALESTINIAN REFUGE CAMP

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Beirut, Lebanon

Ambassador Michele J. Sison and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol, Ambassador Kahlil Makkawi, President of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, and Dr. Sateh Al-Aranaout, Chief Technical Advisor and Director of the Reconstruction and Recovery Cell launched a new program of U.S. support to the Lebanese communities surrounding Nahr Al Barid at an inaugural event at the Grand Serail.   

USAID is providing $6 million for the assistance program to the communities surrounding the Nahr al Barid refugee camp.

This program will be implemented by two U.S. non-governmental organizations: the Cooperative Housing Foundation and Relief International over a period of three years.  It will target 21 villages identified by the Government of Lebanon.  Economic opportunities through public-private partnerships will be developed and the municipalities’ capacities will be enhanced so they can provide better services to their citizens.  A revolving fund will be established for micro-finance loans to boost income generation and job creation as well as job-market-oriented vocational training for youth, women and the unemployed.

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.