USAID/OTI Venezuela Program Fact Sheet
May 2005
Background
In August 2002, USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) established a program in Venezuela to provide critical and timely assistance to maintain democratic stability and strengthen the country's fragile democratic institutions during a time of intense political crisis.
Program Description
The goal of the USAID Venezuela program is to support Venezuelan democracy. All activities are designed to engage both opposition and government-aligned parties, and encourage participation by all political groups.
Program Activities
The program has three overarching objectives:
- Demonstrate U.S. Solidarity in the fight against Poverty –
This component consists of support provided to NGOs and other organizations engaged in efforts to assist the poor in Venezuela, as part of the United States government's world-wide effort to combat poverty. While officially a middle-income country, poverty in Venezuela continues to increase, and current estimates indicate 60% of Venezuelans live below the poverty line. As part of USAID's effort to link the people of the United States and Venezuela in the global fight against poverty, USAID works with organizations whose targets include street children, those affected by natural disasters, and schools in low-income urban neighborhoods.
- Support Peaceful Debate –
USAID/Venezuela is supporting the essential task of creating spaces within the polarized political landscape of Venezuela where people of differing views can work together to achieve common objectives. This is carried out through small grants to NGOs, universities, and religious organizations - often in collaboration with local government - to carry out projects in such diverse areas as watershed management, the rights of children, conflict resolution, and citizen participation. These projects have been accompanied by nationwide projects to promote peaceful coexistence and political tolerance. The projects continue to have strong bipartisan support in the areas where they are focused.
- Support for Democratic Institutions –
This component seeks to strengthen spaces and institutions that are fundamental for democracy, such as the media, human rights and political parties. This has also provided a platform for public discussion on key issues such as the strengths and weaknesses of the current constitution, analyzing the role of NGOs in a democratic society, and strengthening citizen participation in local government.
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