USAID Lebanon: From the American People
 

PRESS RELEASE

U.S. EMBASSY LAUNCHES LEAD SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS

Friday, July 18, 2008

Beirut, Lebanon

The U.S. Embassy launched the second year of summer youth camps today with a ceremony in Zahle.  Thomas Staal, Acting Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon, said:  “The U.S. Government is pleased to be supporting the summer youth camps – there is more to education than the classroom!”

The summer youth camps, funded by USAID, are part of the Lebanon Education Assistance for Development (LEAD) program.  The LEAD program funds school infrastructure enhancement, state-of-the-art equipment, awareness programs, and extracurricular activities. 

USAID’s partner for the summer camps is the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).  The IOCC is working with the University of Balamand’s Faculty of Health Sciences, the Ministry of Education and local nongovernmental organizations to implement the program.  This year fourteen youth camps throughout the country will involve students in community service and citizenship activities. 

USAID has worked in Lebanon since 1951, funding development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens.  With funds from the American people, USAID creates jobs, invests in youth and protects the environment in Lebanon.  USAID’s work reflects the strong friendship between the Lebanese and American people.