[Case Study] South Korea: From Aid Recipient to Donor (PDF 3 pages)

In 2010 the Republic of Korea (South Korea) became the newest member of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). Its DAC membership marks the first time since the OECD was established in 1961 that a non-European country has joined the “advanced nations’ assistance club” after transitioning from an aid recipient to a donor. To have made this transformation in just a few decades truly speaks to the Republic of Korea’s extraordinary economic rise and its commitment to focused and coordinated development. The Republic of Korea provides a textbook example of aid recipient-turned-donor. 

Photo Gallery: USAID in Korea – 13 photos

Secretary Clinton Congratulates USAID on 50 Years

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton congratulates USAID on its 50th Anniversary and reaffirms her and the Department of State’s support for USAID and how development programs support our national security and contribute to our economic future. Source: http://50.usaid.gov/  View Video (02’23’’) »

What is USAID?

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent agency that provides economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy goals of the United States. Source: http://www.usaid.gov/  

History: 50 Years of USAID

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was born out of a spirit of progress, innovation and a reflection of American’s values, character and a fundamental belief in doing the right thing. President John F. Kennedy recognized the need to unite development into a single agency to maximize expertise. In 1961, USAID was created. Since that time, USAID has been a quiet force for progress, fostering a more peaceful and secure world. Source: http://50.usaid.gov/  

USAID History

On September 4, 1961, the Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act, which reorganized the U.S. foreign assistance programs including separating military and non-military aid. The Act mandated the creation of an agency to administer economic assistance programs, and on November 3, 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Source: http://www.usaid.gov/  

President Kennedy’s thoughts to early USAID mission directors preserved on audio.

President Kennedy gave remarks to an early group of mission directors and deputy mission directors from the Agency for International Development from the Rose Garden of the White House June 8th, 1962. Listen in to what he had to say. Source: http://50.usaid.gov/  

Peace Corps - 50 Years of Promoting Friendship (PDF 13 pages)

In this issue of eJournal USA, we mark the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps with narratives written by past volunteers and we glimpse the future of the Peace Corps in an essay by current Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams.  

Rethinking International Aid (PDF 36 pages)

This edition of eJournal USA describes how U.S. foreign aid — directed through government and faith-based organizations, through individuals, businesses, and a multiplicity of partnerships — has developed, how it fits into foreign affairs, and how it is related to advancing altruistic objectives.