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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA) Honored
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
2004-037
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2004
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Andrew S. Natsios commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Farmer to Farmer volunteer programs and awarded special volunteer service awards to members of the Volunteer Programs in Economic Growth and Agricultural Development. Also in attendance were Congressman Doug Bereuter, Representative of Nebraska's First District and USAID Assistant Administrator for Economic Growth and Agricultural Development, Ms. Emmy Simmons.
"Volunteerism is an important part of America's response to problems in the developing world. From the Peace Corp to today's Farmer-to-Farmer programs, American volunteers have been making a difference in these countries for 50 years. Today we take time to acknowledge their efforts and thank them for their support of so many worthwhile programs around the world," said Natsios when asked of the significance of this event.
Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA) is an organization established by USAID and is a member of the Volunteer Programs in Economic Growth and Agricultural Development. Earlier this year, USAID awarded $2.5 million to VEGA. With this award, VEGA volunteers can work directly with USAID missions to design, develop and rapidly implement technical assistance projects to address the host countries' programs.
This award provides for VEGA professionals to help USAID mission officials assess and evaluate the economic priorities of the host country, and formulate effective technical assistance projects to encourage economic growth and development in transition and developing countries.
Alliance member organizations are well respected in the field of international economic development, and have decades of collective experience in designing and implementing technical assistance programs. VEGA members have assisted in the implementation of over $770 million of USAID-funded technical assistance projects over the past forty years. VEGA's member organizations have deployed volunteers to more than 50,000 overseas assignments in 148 countries serving in every USAID mission.
VEGA members draw on the experience and skills of over 30,000 volunteers to provide host country officials and private sector counterparts' economic assistance and training. Senior business leaders, industry experts, and skilled technicians frequently serve as volunteers, donating their expertise and experience to help build stronger economies overseas.
These volunteers are committed, and donate significant time and energy to their projects. Most have served over several years, and have completed multiple 4-6 week assignments overseas. Several volunteers have qualified to receive the President's highest volunteer achievement award: the Presidential Call to Service Award, honoring those people who have donated over 4000 hours of community service over their lifetimes.
The U.S. Agency for International
Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance
worldwide for more than 40 years.
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