17 Bekaa Water Establishment (BWE) Station Operators and Laboratory Staff Recognized for Their Work Giving More Than 100,000 People Access to Safe Drinking Water

On January 10, 2012, USAID awarded certificates to 17 Bekaa Water Establishment (BWE) pump station operators and eight laboratory staff for successfully completing training on chlorination system operation and laboratory equipment usage.  The training was provided in connection with installation of 17 potable water chlorination systems granted by UNICEF and water testing laboratory equipment provided by USAID. More than 100,000 people (32% of population served in the Bekaa) will now have access to safe drinking water in their homes.  USAID and American University of Beirut are developing a comprehensive long-term water monitoring plan for the BWE and ensuring its implementation by providing additional laboratory equipment and training.

Parliament Hosts Workshop on Information Communications Technology (ICT)

On January 16 and 17, 2012, the Lebanese Parliament hosted a regional workshop on Information Communications Technology (ICT) in parliaments.  This two-day workshop addressed the use of ICT in parliaments such as use of parliamentary websites to disseminate information to its constituents, the role of ICT in the delivery of information for MPs, and the use of ICT in parliamentary libraries.  This activity was organized by USAID-funded SUNY/CID Program to Strengthen the Lebanese Parliament through Development of a Legislative Resource Center. 

Local NGO is First to Receive Support from United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

Celebrating the Expansion and Equipping of Zahle Food Quality Center

On December 14, 2011, USAID representatives visited the Zahle Food Quality Center to celebrate the expansion and equipping of the lab under USAID’s Quality Control and Certification (QCC) program.  USAID provides training for lab staff, as well as technical assistance to assist the laboratory acquire international certification, ISO 17025, enabling its tests to be recognized internationally.  The QCC program is assisting three regional laboratories located at the Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Tripoli, Zahle, and Saida, to become international food testing centers to help small and medium scale Lebanese food producers be compliant with export market standards. 

Shariky Project Outcomes Presented at the National Democratic Institute (NDI) Conference

52 Students Awarded Full-Undergraduate Scholarships

USAID Supports Operation Big Blue Association with Ghzayyel River Clean-Up

USAID Provides Tools for Better Use of Litani River Resources

In late September, 2011, USAID/Lebanon provided the Litani River Authority with five automated surface gauging stations and necessary training for their operation and maintenance. These stations continuously record water levels and water quality parameters of the Litani River and tributaries, and the LRA is able to better inform and guide water managers and constituents to improve use of Litani River resources. The stations were provided through the Litani River Basin Management Support (LRBMS) program.

USAID Project Provides Electricity Network to Naher El Bared Camp Area

USAID undertook a thorough examination of the needs of the community in the area adjacent to Naher El Bared Camp.  Results show critical need for expansion of the electricity distribution network in Zone E Prime of the Adjacent Area.  Prior to the 2007 conflict 600 families and over 60 small stores utilized the area.  Returning electricity to the area will pull these people back.  Through TAMKIN, USAID funded a 36 m³ electrical station with two transformers and the installation of 45 iron electrical poles (also equipped with streetlamps) and 2,338 m of electric cables.

USAID University Scholarship Recipients Welcomed to Assistance Program

The Lebanese American University (LAU) and Haigazian University welcomed new USAID scholarship recipients on September 12^th and 14^th respectively. 117 students from across Lebanon have been selected to receive full scholarship assistance including tuition fees, housing, monthly stipend, insurance and books for the duration of their undergraduate studies under the University Student Assistance Program (USAP).  Tim Alexander addressed students at both LAU and Haigazian orientation events.  USAP is a $13.5 million, seven-year program that offers a unique opportunity to public school students to enroll in American-style universities.

USAID Attends Opening of U.S.-funded Farmer-to-Consumer Market

On August 16, 2011, the Bebnine community promoted the village’s new U.S.-funded farmer-to-consumer market and festival promoting local food products and handicrafts.   On land donated by the municipality, U.S. assistance helped construct and equip a 350 square-meter vegetable and fruit wholesale and retail market including 16 display stands, two cold storage units, one water treatment unit, and an administration office.  The market provides opportunities for over 150 farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers and increase their profits, and is expected to generate up to $19,000 per year for the municipality to further develop the market and village.  The project is a part of the USAID Municipal Capacity Building program implemented by the Cooperative Housing Foundation. After the opening ceremony, USAID and Embassy representatives attended an Iftar with community leaders from the area.

USAID Promotes Women Participation in Elections

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is holding individual consultations with women under the Shariky (participate) program all over Lebanon to plan for upcoming workshops to enhance women’s visibility and build skills ahead of future elections. This will improve women’s capacity and increase the political participation of Lebanese women.  NDI’s Shariky program is part of USAID’s Consortium for Elections & Political Processes Strengthening (CEPPS) program to support the electoral process in Lebanon.

USAID-Supported NGO Provides Local Tourism Info Online

USAID-supported NGO, Beyond Beirut, updated their website this week, providing additional information for tourism opportunities outside of the greater Beirut area. Beyond Beirut also produces the tourism magazine, Lebanon Traveler, which offers rural tourism tips and ideas for local and international tourists. You can find additional information on activities and tourist locations beyond Beirut at www.beyondbeirut.com.

USAID Funds Educational Summer Camps As Part of School Rehabilitation Program

USAID Conducts River Pollution Awareness Workshops

The Litani River Basin Management Support (LRBMS) program conducted several workshops in collaboration with the Litani River Authority the last several weeks to raise awareness of water pollution and resource depletion and advocate for collaborative management of river resources. This week’s workshop received active participation from local community leaders who acknowledged that as a part of the problem, communities should equally be part of the solution. Participants will continue to meet in the immediate future on these issues.

USAID Continues to Support Lebanese Public Schools

USAID-Funded Rural Tourism Magazine Unveiled

 On June 29th, USAID held a conference to launch the first issue of “Lebanon Traveler” tourism magazine. Supported by USAID’s Lebanon Business Linkages Initiative (LBLI) and produced by Beyond Beirut NGO and Hospitality Services, the magazine promotes rural tourism by informing Lebanese and foreign tourists of Lebanon’s hidden attractions, promoting responsible tourism, and supporting local communities in developing quality tourism beyond the Beirut area.

USAID Inaugurates Youth Soccer Field

USAID Improves Capacity of Bekaa Water Establishment

Lebanese Parliament Inaugurates Newly Renovated Arab Institute for Parliamentary Training and Legislative Studies

On July 13, 2011, the Parliament inaugurated the newly renovated Arab Institute for Parliamentary Training and Legislative Studies, in presence of dignitaries from Lebanon and the Arab countries.  Under the Program to Strengthen the Lebanese Parliament (PSLP), USAID funded the participation of two experts in the event to share their experiences and case studies from Australia and Afghanistan.

USAID Municipal Capacity Building Program Benefits Rural Beekeepers

On July 12, 2011, USAID representatives visited Beit El Foks village to observe the honey processing facility established in the village through USAID’s Municipal Capacity and Service Delivery program. The facility will benefit the approximately 600 beekeepers in the rural community of around 650 households, processing an average of 150 tons of honey annually.

USAID Opens New Markets for Lebanese Food Industries

USAID Trains Litani Farmers on Sound Agricultural Practices

On June 29^th, the Litani River Basin Management Support Program (LRBMS) conducted training in crop fertilization for 16 farmers growing along the Litani River. Over-fertilization is a major source of river and soil pollution, and the training will give farmers information and tools necessary to adequately fertilize crops without polluting their natural resources.

USAID Helps Raise Capacity of Water Establishments

 This week, USAID completed operation and maintenance training for ten pump station operators from the North Lebanon Water Establishment as a part of the Lebanon Water and Wastewater Sector Support (LWWSS) program.  The sessions took place at the Tripoli pump station, and were attended by senior water establishment engineers and the water establishment chairman.  In addition, USAID’s LWWSS helped the Beirut Mount Lebanon and Bekaa Water Establishments to finalize the design of major IT hardware infrastructure upgrades.  These upgrades allow implementation of management information system solutions under the financial accounting system reform planned for both water establishments.  The LWWSS program is implemented by Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI).

USAID Conference Promotes Inter-Municipal Discussions on Local Economic Development

On June 16, 2011, USAID’s Municipal Capacity Building and Service Delivery Program and Relief International (RI) conducted a conference to further promote cooperation between municipalities and the private sector in fostering local socio-economic development.  The conference presented local communities’ recommendations and visions on how to further advance employment, agriculture, and tourism and highlighted key aspects in need of further intervention.  USAID’s Heath Cosgrove attended and spoke of the EMLED program’s work with 130 villages around Akkar, upper Jbeil, and Jezzine.

USAID Honored for Support of Basic Education in Lebanon

International College (IC), a leading American style basic education school, held a reception on June 15^th to honor its donors, including USAID.  Timothy Alexander, USAID/Lebanon Program Office Director, spoke at the event and accepted a thank-you plaque from IC for the Mission’s support, amounting to $13.6 million over the past 50 years. IC is one of five educational institutions benefitted by USAID’s scholarship assistance program to enable financially needy students from across the country and confessional lines to attend sound academic institutions.

USAID Enhances the Data Management at Litani River Authority (LRA)

As a part of the Litani River Basin Management Support (LRBMS) program, USAID upgraded LRA’s data management software to the latest version of the “HYDATA” software, a specialized software that enables LRA staff to better manage, safe keep, and access their database for better decision making in managing the Litani River resources.  To ensure getting the utmost benefit from the software, USAID supported a professional training on this tool by the software’s development company to LRA personnel.

USAID Continues to Assist Municipalities and Communities to Build Public-Private Partnerships and Collaborative Municipal Cooperation

Over June 4^th and 5^th, USAID sponsored a workshop to introduce Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Inter-Municipal Cooperation (IMC) approaches for eighteen municipalities and communities in Zgharta, Akkar and around Naher El Bared Camp.  This is the final in a series of similar workshops conducted for 44 villages under USAID’s TAMKIN program to advance income generation and job creation.  The two-day workshop raised the capacity of the eighteen municipalities to design, implement, and sustain community-based socio-economic development.  CHF implements TAMKIN.

USAID Raises Interest in Crop Insurance

On June 2^nd, USAID’s Lebanon Business Linkages Initiative (LBLI) and the local NGO Arc En Ciel held a roundtable on agro-insurance as a form of access to financing.  Representatives of banks, insurance companies, food processors, famers, NGOs and other stakeholders attended the meeting and discussed best ways to support actors in the Lebanese agricultural value chain to manage risk in the event of crop loss or damage.  Participants agreed to create a group of stakeholders to develop and test a pilot bank/insurance product to support those within Lebanese agricultural value chains.  USAID will further support this group as it works on details and feasibility of this pilot project.

USAID Assists Farmers In Identifying Export Markets

USAID Increases Access to Microfinance for Lebanese Micro and Small Businesses

GoL Chooses the Northern Port Site for TSEZ

USAID Builds Capacity of Lebanese Professionals on Financial Literacy

Groundwater Resource Management Training

USAID Assist in Protecting Lebanon’s Forests from Wildfire

As a part of a wild land firefighting training program for officers from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) conducted helicopter water bucket training for 30 LAF pilots and crew members from May 23-28, 2011.  This is the second in a series of trainings to increase LAF officers’ capacity in combating wildfires.  The training consisted of a one day of theoretical training on topics including fire behavior and response coordination, and five days of demonstration sessions consisting of helicopter flights using suspended water buckets.  The program will provide LAF with extra firefighting equipment and train LAF officers to become trainers on basic firefighting strategy and safety.  Wildfires, which remain one of the main reasons for loosing Lebanon’s green areas, have destroyed more than 4,000 hectares of trees across the country during the 2007 peak year fire season. 

USAID Helps Raise Financial Management Capacity of Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Establishment

Sub-grant Signed with Food Industry Group to Assist in Export Expansion

USAID’s Lebanon Business Linkages Initiative (LBLI) signed a sub-grant with the Syndicate of Lebanese Food Industrialists (SLFI) in April to allow SLFI to increase their marketing and outreach efforts and remain informed on regulatory and legal requirements and health and sanitary standards necessary to export beyond local markets.

Municipality Plan Will Create Storage Unit to Extend Market Season for Rural Farmers

As part of their 5-year socio-economic plan, the Korsayta municipality and community (Dinnieh district) began  work last month to establish a cold storage unit. Completion of the unit is expected for July 2011, and would serve fruit tree farmers by extending the market season for the 4,000 tons of pears, apples, peaches, and plums produced annually in Korsayta. This plan was implemented by the Cooperative Housing Foundation, supported through TAMKIN project, under USAID’s Lebanon Municipal Capacity Building & Service Delivery Program.  

USAID Assists in Improving Irrigation and IT Procedures through LRBMS Program

Under the Litani River Basin Management Support (LRBMS) program, USAID/Lebanon has commenced the construction of a 3 km gravity pipeline in West Bekaa that will provide Mashgara farmers with a proper irrigation source from the Qaroun Lake.  For years, these farmers have been using domestic wastewater to irrigate their crops, a potentially dangerous health practice due to the possibility of biological and domestic contaminants entering the food chain. The pipeline will help ensure the safety of Mashgara agricultural products and sustain local famer’s continuing livelihoods. 

The USAID-funded LRBMS program has also helped the Litani River Authority (LRA) improve their IT infrastructure and capacity by providing them with five high-capacity servers as well as networking software.

USAID Helps Victims of War in the South to Access Domestic Markets for Honey and Eggs

USAID Raises Youth Involvement in Community Development in North Lebanon

U.S. Embassy Celebrates Earth Day with the AFDC in Aley

USAID Raises Capacity of Elected Women Municipal Councilors

On April 16, 2011, the USAID funded a workshop on communications, negotiation and municipal procedures to elected women municipal councilors from 33 municipalities.  Over 36 women attended the workshop that included simulation of municipal council meetings.  Part of a series of workshops under the “Shariky” (Participate) project, implemented by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the event improved the effectiveness of women municipal councilors and increased the political participation of Lebanese women.  NDI’s Shariky program is part of USAID’s Consortium for Elections & Political Processes Strengthening (CEPPS) program to support the electoral process in Lebanon.

USAID Program Signs Sub-grant to Help Promote Rural Tourism in Lebanon

On April 12, 2011, USAID’s Lebanon Business Linkages Initiative (LBLI) signed a sub-grant with the “Beyond Beirut” NGO, to develop and promote tourism in rural areas of Lebanon.  “Beyond Beirut” (BB) was officially created with the assistance of LBLI and registered as an NGO in 2010.  This sub-grant will aid “BB” in publishing its magazine and preparing the first edition of the “Beyond Beirut Annual Forum for National Sustainable Tourism Development” scheduled for July 2011.

USAID Helps the Bekaa Water Establishment Improve Availability of Potable Water through Better Pump Operation and Maintenance

USAID Participates in the 18th Exhibition of HORECA

Caretaker Prime Minister Presents Findings of USAID’s Tripoli Special Economic Zone Assessment

USAID Participates in the International “Efficient 2011” Water Conference

Last month, USAID/Lebanon participated in the “Efficient 2011” conference in Jordan, a three-day USAID/Jordan and the International Water Association (IWA) organized conference to discuss the world future water scarcity challenges.  Over 600 participants from around the world participated in the conference and shared their best practices for facing these challenges.  Compared to the water practices in use in other countries, the Lebanon water sector is lagging behind.  However, procedures USAID/Lebanon ongoing efforts to improve Lebanon’s water sector are aligned with best practices presented at the conference.

Ambassador Connelly Visits Bebnine Village in Akkar

USAID Raises Awareness on Proper Water Usage and Promotes Water Stakeholder Engagement

In honor of the March 22^nd World Water Day, USAID began a three-day water awareness activity at St. Joseph des Soeurs Antonines School in Ksara, Zahle.  The program uses interactive methods to raise awareness on water conservation, educate youth about their daily water consumption, and describe proper water usages--all aimed at students, teachers and parents.  It is part of an outreach program to raise awareness regarding water conservation practices and to strengthen the Water Establishments’ customer relations operations throughout Lebanon.  This $19.5 million Lebanon Water and Wastewater Sector Support program is implemented by Development Alternatives, Inc.

USAID Helps in Capacity Building of the Lebanese Parliament

USAID/Lebanon is strengthening the Lebanese Parliament’s oversight capability through the training of professional committee staff and researchers.  Training to the Directorate for Studies and Information consisted of legislative research and policy analysis, and included material support for upgrading the parliamentary library with the procurement and the installation of a new library management software program.    The program enabled two parliamentary staffers to participate in the one-week Global Legal Information Network (GLIN) training at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, a requirement for the Lebanese Parliament’s GLIN membership.  The Library of Congress GLIN Central staff welcomed Lebanon’s participation.  Within the coming months Parliament staff will begin inputting its legislation into the GLIN system.

USAID Provides Technical Training to 20 Pump Station Operators from the Bekaa Water Establishment

USAID’s Lebanon Water and Wastewater Sector Support program trained twenty pump station operators in the Bekaa Water Establishment on station operations, safety, records keeping, and maintenance.  This training will help avoid equipment damage and failures, ensuring regular pumping hours and reducing water shortages to the targeted communities’ 21,000 residents.

The United States Commits $12 Million to Foster Economic Growth in Lebanon

USAID Promotes Mushroom Value Chain in Akkar

USAID’s Municipal Capacity Building and Service Delivery – EMLED program assisted the Kherbet Shaar agricultural cooperative and other farmers in Akkar establish organic mushroom production units through training and linkages to an Italian organic certification body and a Lebanese organic product distributor. Twelve farmers acquired organic certifications which enables them to sell their produce at a higher price than conventional fresh mushrooms.  The organic product distributor developed special packaging for the fresh mushrooms and is marketing it within supermarket chains in Lebanon.  

USAID Phase I Report under Tripoli Special Economic Zone Feasibility Study

Under USAID’s Feasibility Study for Tripoli Special Economic Zone (TSEZ) project, Sibley International submitted its phase I report evaluating three potential sites.  The report ranked the three sites, Qleiat (North Site), Port Site, and Rachid Karami, in order of their potential to attract private firms and employment.  The report also recommended changes to the TSEZ Law, its Decrees, and subsequent issuance of Board Decisions.   

356 Haigazian University Students benefit from U.S. Scholarships

 As a final installment of the $600,000 scholarship program, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, Thomas F. Daughton presented an $85,155 check to the Haigazian University for student scholarships on March 4, 2011.  These funds provided partial scholarships to 356 meritorious and financially needy Lebanese students from across the country.  Chargé d’Affaires Daughton and USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Dr. Jim Barnhart toured the university premises in Beirut with faculty members and met with university students, who spoke about their studies and career objectives.  This grant is part of a larger set of scholarship programs that enable financially needy students from across the country and confessional lines to attend institutes of higher education.   

New Expansion Plans for the Microbiology Labs in the CCIAs of Zahle and Saida

USAID Promotes Water Stakeholder Engagement

With the support of USAID’s $8 million the Litani River Basin Management Support (LRBMS) program, the Litani River Authority (LRA) and Zahle Municipality held a workshop to raise awareness on the complex environmental and water scarcity issues facing the Litani River.  The workshop highlighted the different water challenges in the Litani River Basin to attending mayors; discussed potential contributions that each stakeholder can make to overcome these challenges; and promoted improved communications between local municipalities, the Ministry of Water and LRA.  Implemented by the International Resources Group, the workshop stimulated public engagement to improve water use practices.

USAID Provides Scholarship Support to 232 Lebanese American University Students

On February 17, 2011, Ambassador Maura Connelly presented a check for $186,495 to the Lebanese American University (LAU) for student scholarships, the final installment of the $1.5 million scholarship program.  These funds provided partial scholarships to 232 meritorious and financially needy Lebanese LAU students from across the country.  During the event, Ambassador Connelly and USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Dr. Jim Barnhart met with beneficiary students, who spoke about their studies and career objectives.  This grant is part of a larger set of scholarship programs that enable financially needy students from across the country and confessional lines to attend institutes of higher education.

USAID Micro-loans Help Create Over 2,500 Full-Time Jobs Throughout Lebanon

USAID’s Lebanon Investment in Microfinance (LIM) granted a total of $1,050,000 to three local Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) to increase access to finance for micro and small businesses in rural communities and stimulate economic development.  Through recycling of funds and cost share, the three MFIs - Association of Rural Development (ADR), Al Majmoua, and Ameen - succeeded in growing the original funds received to around $3 million.  To date, a total of 1,898 rural businesses (forty percent owned by women) operating within Agribusiness, Tourism, and Information and Communication Technology value chains received loans, creating 2,537 sustainable full time jobs (of which 33 percent were filled by women) and 789 seasonal or part time jobs.  Barmaki AlKassem, one of the beneficiaries, used the $2,500 loan provided by ADR to expand his greenhouse area by sixty percent, reaching to 1,000 square meters. 

USAID Helps the Litani River Authority to Preserve Key Water Maps

As a part of the Litani River Basin Management Support program, USAID assisted the Litani River Authority (LRA) to electronically store critical technical information saved in hard copies and prevent their loss.  USAID assistance included installing GIS software, procuring a specialized scanner, and offering technical training to LRA staff to use the system.  This new computerized system enhances LRA’s archiving system as a tool for better management, increases accessibility to thousands of maps for the river’s water structures, and saves these fifty-year old maps that LRA used to hold as hard copies from getting lost or destroyed over time.  

USAID Helps in Building Professional Capacities of Youth in Akkar

On February 4, 2011, Ambassador Maura Connelly and USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Dr. Jim Barnhart participated in the graduation ceremony of thirty three students from Akkar who completed vocational training in hospitality management at the Technical Orthodox Advanced Institute in Sheikh Taba village.  As a part of its Empowering Municipalities through Local Economic Development (EMLED) program, USAID assisted the technical institute to introduce hospitality management as a new curricular course, establish facilities for training in food and restaurant management, and train the first 33 students enrolling in the course.  The technical institute will continue providing this new course in Akkar with the enrollment of more students and will assist graduating students to find jobs.

Lebanese NGO Helps Public Administrations and Institutions Protect the Environment from Electronic Waste with U.S. Help

On February 3^rd, the Lebanese NGO Beeatoona Organization held the closing ceremony for the “E-Waste Management in Public Administrations and Institutions” project.  With funds from USAID, and in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Beeatoona drafted an environmental management policy for Lebanese government offices based on the results of an assessment of the electronic waste in Lebanon, and is currently lobbying for its adoption.  When implemented, this policy will establish an e-waste management system for the public sector to sort, collect, and properly dispose of all their e-waste.  It also will help prevent approximately 22,000 cubic meters of potentially toxic electronic devices from being wrongly disposed by government offices.  Implemented by AMIDEAST, this is part of USAID’s $9.3 million Transparency and Accountability Grants program.

U.S. Government Grants $1.5 million as Scholarship Support to 854 American University of Beirut Students

Last Monday, January 24^th, U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly presented a $1.5 million check to the American University of Beirut (AUB) for student scholarships made available through USAID.   This grant provided scholarships to 854 meritorious yet financially needy Lebanese students at AUB enabling them to acquire a high quality American style education promoting values of tolerance, freedom and diversity.  Ambassador Connelly and USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Dr. Jim Barnhart spoke to beneficiary students, who discussed their studies, future career plans and the importance of the U.S. scholarship program in helping them to reach their academic goals.  This grant is part of a larger set of scholarship programs that enable financially needy students from across the country and confessional lines to attend sound academic institutions.

USAID/Lebanon Kicks Off New Monitoring and Evaluation Program

On January 13^th -14^th, Social Impact Inc. held a two-day workshop to introduce the mission’s new $5.3 million five-year (2010-2014) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) program to USAID/Lebanon staff and implementing partners.  This initiative will help USAID/Lebanon streamline and standardize partner reporting as part of the mission-wide  Performance Management Plan (PMP), establish an integrated web-based Management Information System/Geographic Information System (MIS/GIS), strengthen field monitoring of the country program, and conduct special studies and evaluations.

USAID Continues to Promote Rural Tourism

USAID's Empowering Municipalities through Local Economic Development (EMLED) program held a workshop in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism to introduce Lebanese tour operators and rural tourism stakeholders to local tourism opportunities in Akkar, upper Jbeil, and Jezzine districts on January 18^th.  The session highlighted the importance of rural and eco-tourism value chains as income generation opportunities introduced tour operators to twenty rural tourism projects and fostered business deals between tour operators and rural tourism micro and small enterprises in the targeted villages.  USAID’s EMLED projects in the three districts established more than 14 new hiking trails; created tourist information centers; developed tourism packages for over 45 villages; rehabilitated and equipped lodges, guest houses, and camping areas run by young men and women; and equipped small restaurants.

USAID Successfully Completes the Mudeirej Bridge $34 million Project

On January 17, 2011, the Council of Development and Reconstruction (CDR) verified that USAID successfully completed its commitment to the Government of Lebanon (GOL) to re-build the Mudeirej Bridge that was destroyed during the 2006 war.  The Mudeirej Bridge is over 225 feet high and 1,400 feet long and is the largest in Lebanon and among the tallest in the Middle East.  The bridge provides an important commercial link between Beirut and Chtoura, near Lebanon's eastern border.  With approximately $34 million funds from USAID,  the dual lane bridge was re-built and opened to traffic in June 2010.   CDR conducted its second and final inspection of the bridge in the presence of representatives from USAID, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Contrack Inc. (executing contractor), and local subcontractors and approved the conclusion of the required one-year warranty period that ended on December 31, 2010.

USAID Assistance to 83 Beekeepers Improved the Overall Honey Production

Under USAID’s $5.7 million Expanding Economic Opportunities for Survivors of Landmines and Victims of War project, the World Rehabilitation Funds provided essential technical training to 83 beekeepers from Jezzine district and in-kind grants of 15 beehives each.  This assistance increased their honey production and enabled them to overcome the various challenges they face including changes in temperature, decrease in rainfall, and deadly diseases that affect the bees.  With a relatively decrease in Lebanon’s honey production in 2010, the 83 beekeepers managed to produce a total of eight tons of honey during the 2010 summer season, with an increase of over 340 kilos than their honey production in 2009.  This increased their income and improved their livelihoods in their southern villages.

USAID Raises Awareness on Human Rights

USAID Raises Knowledge on Public Budget Process

The United States Commits $75 Million to Support Public Education in Lebanon

Litani River Authority Implements Joints Repair of the Qaraoun Dam

Under USAID’s $8 million Litani River Basin Management Support program, and based on technical assistance provided by the International Resources Group, a team of engineers and technicians from the Litani River Authority (LRA) managed to successfully repair the joints of the 50-year old Qaraoun Dam, the biggest in Lebanon that annually stores around 200 million cubic meters of water used for hydro-energy production and irrigation.  This team built on the results of an inspection that USAID did for leaks in the concrete joints on the facing of the dam in April 2010, and used the knowledge that six LRA technical staff acquired from a seminar on dam evaluation and inspection that USAID enabled them to attend in Colorado, to fix the leaks on their own for the first time, saving both money and time.

USAID Helps Improve Consumer Protection

Education Sector Donor Working Group Established

U.S. Government Provides $6 Million to Promote Lebanese Trade

Rule of Law Program Completed

Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Middle East Christopher Crowley visits Lebanon

U.S. Embassy and Ministry of Education and Higher Education Announce the Preparations to Launch D-RASATI Project

Second Workshop to Promote the Feasibility Study for Tripoli Special Economic Zone (TSEZ) Project

As part of the U.S. assistance to Lebanon for the feasibility study of Tripoli Special Economic Zone, USAID held a technical workshop on Wednesday, December 1^st in Beirut to updated senior public and private sector stakeholders on the study findings to date. Implemented by Sibley International, the workshop presented results on the expected demand from businesses to locate in the economic zone and outlined the vision and concepts for the economic zone activities.

USAID Helps to Introduce E-Waste Management in Public Administrations and Institutions

USAID Provides More than $445,000 to the American Community School For Scholarships and Classroom Improvements

Last Monday, Ambassador Maura Connelly and USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Dr. Jim Barnhart presented $445,718 to support the American Community School (ACS).  These funds were used to purchase computers for the school and provided scholarships to sixty-one students.  In addition, this U.S. assistance helped fund the establishment of the school’s Outdoor Education and Nature Center in Deir El Qamar, which offers opportunities to enrich students’ knowledge of ecological and environmental issues.  During the event Ambassador Connelly and Dr. Barnhart met with ACS students and toured the ACS campus.

USAID Provides Technical Support to Build Electoral Management Capacity in Lebanon

USAID Supports Lebanon’s Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO)

On November 11^th, USAID and the Lebanese Standards Institution (LIBNOR) held, in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Trade, a seminar to introduce ministry and business community representatives to WTO requirements in connection with technical barriers to trade.  This will facilitate trading operations and help increase the volume and speed of trade flows.  Implemented by Booz Allen Hamilton, this is part of USAID’s $3 million Support for Lebanon’s Accession to the World Trade Organization program to help expand commercial opportunities for Lebanese businesses and strengthen their linkages to the global economy.

USAID Helps Build Capacity of Lebanese Professionals

USAID funded the participation of a representative from the Institute of Finance to attend a conference in Italy on sustainable procurement.  The conference tackled the subjects of social, economic and environmental considerations in the public procurement processes.  The participant acquired tools that he will try and apply in Lebanon to help protect the environment on the long run.  This training is part of USAID's Professional Training Program that has provided training to over 1,000 professionals on diverse topics to date.

USAID Helps Raise Awareness of Public-Private Partnership and Inter-Municipal Cooperation

The Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, held a two-day workshop November 6 and 7 aimed at improving the capacity of twenty municipalities in El Dinnieh Caza (district) to design, implement, and sustain community-based socio-economic development.  The workshop introduced Public-Private Partnership and Inter-Municipal Cooperation approaches to advance income generation and job creation in 44 municipalities being supported by USAID’s $11.3 million Municipal Capacity Building and Service Delivery - TAMKIN program.

U.S. Scholarship Support of $64,764 Benefits 145 Haigazian University Students

U.S. Supports Lebanon’s Vision for Managing Water Resources in the Litani River Basin

USAID Supports Universities’ Accreditation and High Educational Quality

This month, as a part of USAID’s Transparency and Accountability Grants program, participants representing all 43 universities in Lebanon gathered in to discuss a draft law for the establishment of a Lebanese Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.  Such an agency will set up guidelines by which all universities can get quality assurance and accreditation.  

USAID Provides Training on Communications to Fourteen Municipalities in North Lebanon

Municipal council members from fourteen villages in North Lebanon have received training from USAID on communications tools since March 2010.  This training helped those local officials to communicate with local citizens on setting development priorities and translating them into action plans.  This is a part of USAID’s Municipal Capacity Building and Service Delivery – TAMKIN program that empowers over 44 municipalities to improve their economy and increase income generation and job creation. 

USAID Strengthens The Lebanese Parliament

USAID Awards $75 Million Basic Education Program Targeting Lebanon’s Public Schools

USAID awarded the new Basic Education program D-RASATI (Developing Rehabilitation Assistance in Schools And Teacher Improvement) to the Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC). Targeting all of Lebanon’s 1300 public schools, D-RASATI is a five-year, $75 million program that will support the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s strategic goals for strengthening Lebanon’s public school system by providing key educational equipment, enhancing repairs of schools, increasing learning opportunities through in-service teacher training and extra-curricular activities, and raising stakeholder engagement in all Lebanon public schools.

USAID Support to Rural Lebanese Agribusinesses beginning to Generate Results

USAID’s $7.5 million Lebanon Business linkages Initiative program, which tries to connect rural, small- to medium-sized agricultural producers with international markets and build sustainable linkages with international importers is beginning to show significant results.  One example is Maymoune, a small women-owned, and primarily disadvantaged women-employed specialty producer of preserves, jam, rose water, and pomegranate molasses.  With USAID support, Maymoune recently doubled its sales to the U.S. market after attending a U.S. specialty food exhibition entitled “Taste of Lebanon”.

USAID Supports Judicial Capacity in Lebanon

USAID Promotes the Use of Art to Draw Attention to Peace in Baalbeck

With funding from USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), youth from the Lebanese Association for Students (LAS) organized a “Draw Peace” activity this past September at the Baalbeck International Festival, attended by an estimated 4,000 visitors, including prominent leaders and national media outlets. Thirty young artists from the Baalbeck region gathered at the entrance of the Baalbeck ruins to paint messages advocating for peace and nonviolence.  “Draw Peace” is part of a broader USAID/OTI-supported project with LAS to train 80 youth from six marginalized villages in the Baalbeck-Hermel area on the use of art and theater to strengthen citizenship and encourage youth activism.

A Bakery Owner benefits from a USAID Micro-loan

USAID Supports Public-Private Partnerships to Help Establish Standards for Institutional Accreditation

With USAID funding, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) and the Excellence in Learning and Leadership Foundation (ELLF) conducted training on self assessment and peer review on September 28, 2010.  This training focused on accountability and transparency for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which receive funding from MOSA.  Approximately sixty NGO financial managers participated in this training workshop.  This training is the third in a series to train all 250 NGOs funded by MOSA on key issues related to the accreditation procedures and requirements.  It is part of a public-private partnership between ELLF, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and other key stakeholders to improve MOSA’s management of grantees. 

USAID Supports Lebanon’s Court of Audit

USAID Supports Student and Community needs around Naher El Bared and Beddawi Palestinian Camps

As a part of the USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives project, “back-to-school” kits were distributed to 8,680 primary and secondary school students in the Northern Lebanon municipalities adjacent to the Naher El Bared (NBC) and Beddawi camps.  These students lack even the most basic of supplies needed for the school year.  They expressed their excitement to receive the kits, which included notebooks, pens, and pencils.  In addition, USAID provided a big electricity generator to residents of the Bhannine municipality that will supply over 170 families with electricity.  By addressing these basic needs, USAID aims to complement its other development and assistance activities in the NBC area to mitigate conflict. 

USAID’s Lebanon Education Assistance for Development Program Completed

On September 10, 2010, the $11.6 million USAID Lebanon Education Assistance for Development (LEAD) program was completed.  The program assisted 313 public schools throughout Lebanon and enhanced their learning environments through rehabilitation works, science and computer laboratory equipment, and educational extracurricular activities.  Over 100,000 students benefited from this program.  The International Orthodox Christian Charities and the Cooperative Housing Foundation jointly implemented.  Building on the successes of this program, and in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, a new program will be launched in 2011, expanding USAID’s assistance to all of Lebanon’s public schools.

Lebanese American University Students benefit from Scholarship Support

ACS Opens an Outdoor Education and Nature Center with U.S.-Funds

USAID Expands Income Generation Projects to Additional Communities Near Naher El Bared Camp

USAID Improves Technical Capacity for Litani River Authority Staff

USAID Introduces the Feasibility Study for Tripoli Special Economic Zone Project

After-School Activity Changes a Student’s Outlook and Plan for Future

USAID Assists Lebanon’s Accession to the World Trade Organization

On August 18, 2010, Booz Allen Hamilton conducted a meeting with representatives from different Lebanese ministries and other governmental entities to initiate a committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).  This committee oversees the building and maintenance of a reliable database on TBT.  Participants discussed different approaches for the committee’s creation and provided feedback and updates to upload this database at the Lebanese Standards Institution (LIBNOR), which is the governmental focal point for information to all World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries.  The meeting included a presentation on the WTO TBT Agreement and the role and responsibilities of LIBNOR.  The presentation was followed by a discussion of the role of each entity represented in the committee. 

USAID Introduces New Varieties of Crops to Farmers

Improving “Qaraoun Dam” Safety

Second Annual “Live Akkar” Trade Fair

USAID Introduces Zero Waste Management to Lebanese and Arab Stakeholders

USAID Continues to Build Linkages Throughout the Economic Value Chains

USAID Increases Incomes through Public Private Partnerships

Supporting Lebanon’s Public Schools

Lebanese American University and Haigazian University Students Benefit from U.S. Scholarship Support

GOL and USG Support for Public Schools in Lebanon is a Priority

USAID Continues to Empower Municipalities

Skills Training provides Tripoli Youth Increased Access to Job Opportunities

USAID Supports Women in Beit Ayyoub

Lebanese Ministry of Energy and Water and U.S. Government Sign $27.5 million Memoranda of Understanding for Assistance to Water Sector

Re-opening of the Mudeirej Bridge to Traffic

USAID Helps to Remove Obstacles to Women’s Rights in Lebanon

Women’s Leadership Training Results in Business Opportunity

USAID Helps Sustain Small Home Based Business in Tripoli

Regional Meeting for Sustainable After-School Activities

USAID Supports Massoudiyeh Farmers

USAID Increases Awareness and Reduces Barriers to Employment for Lebanese with Disabilities

Children Advocates Children’s Rights with USAID Assistance

Training Sessions on Computer Basics for Beit El-Fokos and Kfarhabou Villages

USAID Supports Women’s Inclusion in Lebanon’s Municipal Elections

USAID Supports Youth in South Lebanon

USAID Continues to Empower Small Businesses through Micro-Loans

After-School Activities Raise Students’ Involvement in Community Services

A Corner-Stone for the Farmer-to-Consumer Market in North Lebanon

“Beyond Beirut” Stimulates Rural Tourism

Training on New Equipment at the Beirut Enforcement Court

Lebanese University Journalism Students Trained in Investigative Journalism

Public Garden Promotes Positive Dialogue in Bebnine Municipality

Business and Government roundtable results in draft development plan in the North

American University of Beirut Students Receive Scholarship Assistance

USAID Raises the Knowledge of 42 Women on Municipal Regulations

USAID Trains Food Processors on Standard Regulations for Food Processing

USAID Participates in the “Taste of America”

U.S. Supports Lebanon’s Information and Communications Technology Sector

U.S. Government Funds Scholarships for International College Students

United States Supports the Rule of Law in Lebanon through Renovation of the Beirut Enforcement Court

USAID Creates Jobs for Twenty Five Women in Akkar

Five People with Disabilities were Placed at AUB Through USAID

USAID Improves the Tomato Value Chain: from Seed to Shelf

USAID Assists Lebanese Agro-Food Testing Laboratories Increase Their Knowledge

USAID Trains Aassoun Village on Business Skills for Economic Development

USAID Promotes After-School Activities in Lebanese Public Schools

USAID Continues to Support the Electoral Process in Lebanon

Lebanese Ministry of Interior and Municipalities and USAID Sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Support for Municipal Elections

USAID Provides Micro-Loans to 590 Small Businesses and Creates over 900 Full-Time Jobs

Support From the Caterpillar Foundation for USAID’s Education program

USAID Empowers Interaction between Lebanese and Palestinian Communities

USAID Conducts an Assessment to Build on Gained Experiences

USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Meets with the Office of the President in Lebanon

USAID Support Increases Tourism to North Lebanon

Building Linkages between Food Processors and Farmers

Renovation Work at the Beirut Court and Judicial Training Institute

USAID Micro-Loans Assists Small Businesses; Creates over 470 full time Jobs

USAID Supports Judicial Reforms in Lebanon

Strengthening Youth Participation in Municipal Governance

USAID Continues to Support Lebanon’s Judicial Reforms

Conference on Citizens' Awareness of Rights for People with Disabilities

Supporting Employment for People with Disabilities in Lebanon

Extending USAID Assistance to Thirty Public Schools in Lebanon

USAID Supports Akkar Trade Fair to Assist Micro-Enterprises

Improving communication between the Civil Service Board and Lebanese Municipalities

USAID Provides Training on Good Operational Practices for Judges and Clerks

USAID Raises Municipal Cooperation and Improves Public-Private Partnerships around Naher El Bared Camp

U.S. Provides Over $300,000 to American Community School Students For Education and Equipment Support

USAID Funded Equipment Supports Positive Environmental Steps in Tyre District

USAID Works to Reduce Water Pollution in the Upper Litani River Basin

USAID Facilitates Networking among 115 Municipalities in Eight Clusters

USAID provides Additional Training to three Lebanese Micro-Finance Institutions

"Sahel Akkar" and U.S. Government Give Youth in conflict areas a Voice in North Lebanon

U.S.-funded Road Safety Awareness Campaign Aims to Keep Lebanon's Roads Safe

U.S. Ambassador Discusses Community Needs with Youth, Leaders in West Beqaa

American University of Beirut Students Receive Scholarship Assistance from U.S. Government

USAID Empowers Economic Development in Municipalities around Nahr El Bared Camp

USAID Launches Program to Support Lebanese Agricultural Quality Control

U.S. Government Gives Gift of Education to Lebanese American University Students in Need

Ehmej Strives to Become Eco-tourism Destination with U.S. Support

The U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michele Sison and the USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise Herbol launched an initiative to develop the budding ecotourism industry in Jbeil with a representative of the President of Republic of Lebanon, Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ziad Baroud, and parliament members in Ehmej village on October 11, 2009.  When complete, the “Eco-trails” project will establish twelve nature trails of varying degrees of difficulty in Ehmej village, providing a new way for tourists to experience Jbeil’s natural beauty. This project is designed to increase tourism revenues to Jbeil and with it, more jobs and business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.   In addition to providing technical assistance for establishing the project business plan and training guides, USAID provided funding to the municipality of Ehmej for surveying and demarcation of the trail as well as designing the brochures, website, and official signage for the “Eco-trails” project.

Judicial Training Institute in Ashrafieh Begins a $1.25 million, U.S.-funded Upgrade

On October 13, 2009, the USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise Herbol attended the opening ceremony for the restoration of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) with the Lebanese Minister of Justice Ibrahim Najjar, president of the Supreme Judicial Council Judge Ghaleb Ghanem, President of the JTI Sami Mansour, and President of Beirut Bar Association Ramzi Jreij. When completed, this $1.25 million USAID funded project will expand the training capacity from the current one-room facility at the Ministry of Justice into a five-floor facility designed to meet the specific needs of Lebanon’s sitting and trainee judges. Work on the facility is scheduled to be completed in early 2010 and will include the installation of plumbing services and electricity, and fully furnished training rooms and equipment. 

USAID Improves Olive Farming Practices

USAID Places People with Disability for One Year at International Organizations

USAID Strives to Strengthen the Youth and Build Capacity in Bint Jbeil

Web-portal Provides Critical Information for Certified Public Accountants

In the five months since the launch of the web portal under the USAID funded AMIDEAST Transparency and Accountability Grants program, almost 11,000 people have visited the website.  These high numbers exceed all expectations for usage and visitor traffic, demonstrating the critical need by CPAs for this type of information.   The portal (located at www.lacpa.org.lb) includes financial and legal rules and regulations, online legal documentation and an e-library.  The portal was developed in partnership with the Lebanese Association of Certified Public Accountants (LACPA).   To further increase awareness of the website, LACPA has produced a trilingual booklet to inform LACPA members, and independent accountants and auditors about the portal and its available information and services.

USAID Provides Non-Partisan Choices to Youth

USAID Supports Handicrafts

Support for Lebanon’s Judicial System

USAID Expands Economic Opportunities for Landmines Survivors and Victims of War

USAID Conducts SWOT Analysis to Btormaz and Bkaasefreen Villages

USAID Micro-finances Lebanese Enterprises Around Nahr El Bared Palestinian Camp

Under the $19.9 million USAID Municipal Capacity Building and Service Delivery Program (EMLED), Relief International (RI) continues to boost job creation and income generation around Nahr El Bared Camp by providing small loans to Lebanese enterprises. RI has so far provided more than $230,000 as loans to people in fifteen villages around Nahr El Bared Camp.

Of the 60 people that received loans up to this point, 20% were women. 63% of these loans, of up to $7,000 each, were given to businesses in the trade and service sector such as Libraries, sports clubs, tailoring shops, snack shops, ceramics shops, flower shops, and car mechanic shops.

USAID Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Middle East Visits Jbeil, Homeira, and Wadi Al-Jamous Villages

U.S. Government Breaks Ground For a New Wastewater Treatment Plant in Beqa’a

Ambassador Michele J. Sison, the USAID Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Middle East Anne Aarnes, and the USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ablah Wastewater Treatment plant on August 11, 2009.   Minister of Tourism, Members of Parliament, and community leaders were also present, underscoring the importance of this treatment plant that will serve 14,000 citizens.

This new Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in Ablah, will diminish the pollution in the Upper Litani River Basin by treating 2,000 cubic meters of sewage per day, thus eliminating direct disposal of wastewater into the river. 

USAID Continues to Support Agriculture

USAID Inaugurates Mrousti Wastewater Treatment Plant in Higher Chouf

USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol attended the inauguration ceremony of Mrousti Wastewater Treatment Plant on August 8, 2009 at Mrousti village, Higher Chouf. This plant is the last of seven plants and networks that serves twelve villages under the now completed $2.47 million USAID funded “Sustainable Environment Practices and Policies” program. This program was set to diminish pollution and integrate environmental conservation and protection with rural development.

With $240,000 of funding from USAID, in addition to the community contribution, the Mrousti plant will treat 225 cubic meters/day of sewage and serve over 1,500 residents.

USAID Continues to Provide Business Skills Training

U.S. Government Supports Judicial Education

USAID Provides Training and Technical Assistance to Local Micro-Finance Institutions

USAID Rehabilitates Three Public Schools in Zahle, Metn and Baabda

In its continuing effort to provide assistance to Lebanese public schools, USAID is currently supporting the rehabilitation of three public schools in the areas of Zahle, Metn and Baabda, in partnership with the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). Works include the rehabilitation of the schools’ old restrooms, potable water faucets and dilapidated facilities. More than 850 students enrolled in the three schools will benefit from this assistance. 

IOCC also prepared awareness posters to be placed in rehabilitated schools’ restrooms for guiding students to carry out hygienic habits.

USAID Engages Lebanese Youth at a National Camp in the South

The USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol attended the opening ceremony of the National Youth Camp for residents and emigrants in Kfarhouna, Jezzine on July 25, 2009. This $15,000 USAID project, implemented by Relief International in partnership with the Lebanese Emigrant and Residency Club of Kfarhouma, is part of USAID’s $19.9 million “Municipal Capacity Building and Service Delivery” program.

The camp focused on environment and health education, interaction with local communities, youth and entrepreneurship, art education, and business planning.

U.S. Government Encourages Partnerships Between Municipalities and Lebanese Living Abroad

U.S. Government Supports Lebanese Economic Growth in The Beqa’a

USAID to Increase Assistance to Municipalities

The USAID Mission Director Denise A. Herbol signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lebanese Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ziad Baroud to provide technical assistance to municipalities throughout Lebanon for carrying out the 2010 municipal elections on June 18, 2009. Building on the achievements of previous USAID programs to assist Lebanon’s municipalities, this new initiative will address several key issues facing municipalities related to the municipal elections scheduled for 2010.  In addition to the assistance to many municipalities regarding the elections, USAID will work with major municipalities, including Beirut, Tripoli, Zahle, Saida, Baabda and Bourj Hammoud, on the modernization of their administrative organizational structures. This USAID funded project will be implemented by The State University of New York at Albany/Center of Legislative Development.

USAID Assists Tourism Industry “Beyond Beirut”

USAID Develops Rural Enterprises

U.S. Government Supports Tripoli Community Development

USAID Provides $750,000 to Fund Modernization of Beirut Court

The USAID Mission Director Denise A. Herbol signed an agreement with the Lebanese Minister of Justice Ibrahim Najjar on June 17, 2009. Through this MOU, USAID will finance the reconstruction and refurbishment of the Beirut Executions Court in the Palace of Justice and provide office furniture, information technology equipment and a modern case filing system at the court.  This $750,000 project is a part of USAID’s $8 million program to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of the Judiciary. Overall goals for this effort include; increased independence of the Judiciary, improved legal training and increased access to justice. 

USAID Supports Local Development Projects in Al-Qarqaf

USAID Encourages Road Safety

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol attended the launching of  the “Spreading Road Safety Culture” project with the Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ziad Baroud on July 8, 2009. This project will strengthen citizen awareness of driver safety issues and Lebanese driving laws.  The campaign will include 32 television advertisements providing information on a range of topics, such as the meaning of posted road signs and lane markers.   Billboards and flyers will emphasize the dangers of drinking and driving, the consequences of excessive speed, and the importance of using seatbelts.  In addition, the Red Cross will receive computer software to register and track road accident information.

USAID Assists The Lebanese University Law Faculty

The USAID Mission Director Denise A. Herbol attended a press conference to announce the plan to strengthen the curriculum of the Lebanese University Faculty of Law on July 7, 2009.   The Lebanese Association for the Philosophy of Law will use USAID’s $47,164 grant to launch a campaign to introduce a legal philosophy course, “Jurisprudence/Philosophy of Law,” to the University curriculum. USAID support will broaden the scope of offered courses at the Faculty of Law. This grant is part of the $9 million Transparency and Accountability Grants program, implemented by AMIDEAST.  By working with civil society organizations throughout Lebanon, the U.S. Government is encouraging citizens to play an active role in the development of Lebanon. Deans, presidents and vice-presidents of Lebanese University and other Universities were present at the ceremony in addition to the Lebanese Ministry of Culture Director General and the State Council previous president.

USAID Trains Saida Youth

The USAID Mission Director Denise A. Herbol attended the “Neighborhood Improvement” project closing ceremony in Saida on July 6, 2009.  The ceremony recognized fifty youth volunteers who conceived, planned and implemented community improvement activities in the last six months. These youth volunteers were recruited and trained to lead community development activities in Old Saida and Taameer.  They learned communication and interpersonal skills to design community activities and how to use the arts as an outreach tool.  The volunteers used wall paintings, theater, rehabilitation of a public garden and a children’s playground, and, founded a cinema club that regularly screens films dealing with various issues followed by open discussions.   The volunteers promoted Palestinian-Lebanese understanding and cooperation.  They worked with over 5500 beneficiaries. The Office of Transition Initiatives, part of USAID, implemented this $73,000 project.

USAID Supports Professional Training

U.S. Government Support Benefits Haigazian University Students

The USAID Mission Director Denise A. Herbol presented a check for $770,000 to Haigazian University President Dr. Paul Haidostian on June 25, 2009.  This grant will benefit 329 Haigazian University students as they pursue their degrees. The Haigazian University grant is part of a larger $6.2 million grant USAID has provided to five American educational institutions in Lebanon.  The other institutions are the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University, the American Community School, and International College.  Over 1,684 students benefit from this financial educational assistance.

USAID Supports Women and Entrepreneurs in The Nahr Al Bared Area

As part of USAID/Lebanon development assistance, the USAID Mission Director Denise A. Herbol attended a “Women’s Leadership Workshop” graduation ceremony in Minyara and awarded grants to individuals in the “Employment and Innovative Economic Expansion Fund” in the Nahr Al Bared area. The “Women’s Leadership Workshop” trained eighty four women in career development areas including communication, conflict resolution, decision-making and leadership skills.  The USAID funded program, implemented by Relief International, empowers women with professional skills to progress in their careers.

Ranging from three thousand to seven thousand US dollars each, nineteen entrepreneurs received grants during this ceremony from the USAID “Employment and Innovative Economic Expansion Fund” program. 

USAID Strengthens Tourism in Rural Areas

As part of the USAID funded Lebanese Business Linkages Initiatives (LBLI) program objective to strengthen the competitiveness of the tourism sector in Lebanon through support of the private sector, the Academy for Education Development (AED) initiated the preparation of the “Beyond Beirut” tourism campaign in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Lebanese Tour Operators. As such, AED held a series of meetings during the month of May; of which, the tourism workshop held on May 12, 2009 was one key meeting. It was held to present the AED plan to launch a campaign highlighting efforts to increase tour bookings in Lebanon by the Lebanese Diaspora. The $4.5 million USAID funded program LBLI, is aimed to build the capacity of small and medium size enterprises to be part of the economic value chain especially in the sectors of the Lebanese industry, namely agribusiness, tourism and information and communication technology.

“Women Empowerment at Work” training for fifty-seven women in Lebanon

Fifty seven women from the Akkar District (Halba and El Bireh Villages) received training in “women empowerment at work”. This USAID funded training program assists non-working women who seek to achieve financial independence.  The program also strengthens the capacity of women already in the work-place. “Women Empowerment at Work” is part of the gender integration activities provided by Relief International.  The project objectives were to provide women the communication, conflict resolution, decision making and leadership skills needed in the work place.  The project also provides information on resume preparation and how to succeed in a job interview.  This training is part of an $11 million project focusing on Municipal Capacity Building at the village level throughout Lebanon. 

USAID Presents Lebanese American University with $1,085,988 for Student Scholarships

USAID/Lebanon Acting Mission Director William D. McKinney presented a check for $1,085,988 to Lebanese American University (LAU) President Dr. Joseph Jabbra at the LAU Campus in Byblos on May 27, 2009. This check is part of the $2,315,000 grant that the Lebanese American University received from USAID for academic year 2008-2009. 494 Lebanese students enrolled at the University benefited from this grant by receiving an American style education. USAID’s scholarship assistance will help increase these students’ chances at finding job opportunities upon graduation. During the meeting, Mr. McKinney met with a number of students who received USAID financial aid assistance. The students discussed how the assistance has impacted them, as well as their future career plans.

USAID Supports Seven Lebanese Organizations

USAID/Lebanon Acting Mission Director William D. McKinney presented checks totaling $315,254 to seven Lebanese organizations at the U.S. Embassy on May 26, 2009. The organizations are: Missionary Sisters of the Saint Sacrament in Beit Habbak received $45,000 for kitchen equipment; Friends of the Public School Paradis d’Enfants in Ghadir $50,000 for computers, chairs, tables and other equipment; Groupement Social Scout $50,000 for computers, and multi-media and office equipment for the Father Chalhoub Scout House’s training center in Ghosta; Social Relief and Welfare Association in Saida $43,000 to establish a computer laboratory; Lebanese Association of SOS Children’s Villages $50,000 to install a heating system at its Ksarnaba center in the Beqaa; Forum of the Handicapped in Zahle $32,645 for computers and equipment for the candle workshop and physiotherapy center; Contact and Resource Center in Beirut $44,609.

Communication Skills and Documentation training for the disabled

A two day training course in written communication skills and documentation was held the week of May 25, 2009 in Beirut.  Fourteen people with physical and visual disabilities benefited from this USAID funded program.  The training will assist these individuals to locate and qualify for jobs. Training included how to prepare a resume, drafting of letters, and techniques for public speaking.  This activity falls under the USAID funded Towards Inclusive Development in Lebanon (TIDIL) program in partnership with Mercy Corps. The goal of TIDIL is to increase the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Lebanon’s social and economic development, with emphasis on those organizations and programs that are funded by USAID.

USAID Creates Economic Opportunities in Villages Surrounding Nahr El Bared

Under the Municipal Capacity Building and Service Delivery program, USAID is funding the implementation of local economic development projects for the remote village of Wadi al Jamous, located in the area surrounding the Nahr El Bared camp in North Lebanon. The village’s population lives on less than 135 dollars a month, and their economic situation has been further aggravated as a result of the July 2006 war and subsequent internal strife. USAID supported the democratic establishment of a committee at the village’s municipality, which assessed the economic situation of the village and proposed initiatives for economic development and job creation. Given the agricultural potential of the area, the committee decided to build a water canal for irrigation purposes. The canal will provide 67 farmers with access to water to increase their agricultural productivity. The committee has completed the bidding process and started the preparation works on the ground.

Public School Students Learn the Basics of Entrepreneurship

Thirty-three young boys from grades 7 and 8 attended the Entrepreneurial Master Class session that was held at the Second School in Zgharta for Boys on May 21, 2009.  Within the context of the Lebanon Education Assistance for Development (LEAD) program, these sessions introduce students to the notions of entrepreneurship and help equip them with the skills and attitudes necessary to become self-employed. Also under the LEAD program, the school benefited from rehabilitation works, as well as received science laboratory equipment.

USAID Opens New Wastewater Treatment Plant in Beqaa

USAID Presents $2.2 Million in Student Scholarships

USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol presented a check for $2.2 million to American University of Beirut (AUB) on April 29, 2009. This contribution is part of a larger scholarship assistance grant to help more than 745 deserving Lebanese students pursue their studies at AUB. Thanks to this assistance, students with financial need will receive an American style education. During the visit, Herbol met with AUB students and discussed the importance of this assistance and its impact on their future.

USAID Launches Help Center for Abused Women

USAID Supports Youth Initiatives

USAID Opens New Business Center in Halba

US Ambassador Michele J. Sison and USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol participated in the opening ceremony of the Business Development Center at the Municipality of Halba. The center was established to provide services to all businesses and communities in the Akkar area. USAID provided $75,000 to the center for furniture, computers, website development and training services.

USAID Supports Certified Public Accountants

USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol spoke at the Lebanese Association of Certified Public Accountants (LACPA), on the occasion of LACPA’s 17^th International Congress on April 22, 2009. This event also marked the launch of a new web portal for the USAID granted LACPA $49,450 for the purpose of creating a tri-lingual web portal for the organization, to help it better serve the Public Accountant profession and improve transparency in its communications with stakeholders and the public at large.

USAID Supports the Ministry of Interior on Elections

Ambassador Michele J. Sison witnessed the signing by USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol and Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ziad Baroud a Memorandum of Understanding to support Lebanon’s electoral process on April 14, 2009. USAID will provide $1.7 million in assistance to the Ministry through its partner, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems or IFES. 

Congressional Delegation Meets with Students at American University of Beirut

A ten person congressional delegation led by Congressman Russ Carnahan met with students at the American University of Beirut (AUB) over a working lunch on April 9, 2009. These students have received assistance from USAID under the scholarship assistance to American educational institutions. The students articulate how the scholarships provided them an opportunity for a higher education which they otherwise may not have had.  The working lunch was also attended by the US Ambassador Michele J. Sison and USAID Mission Director Denise A. Herbol, as well as AUB’s President Peter Dorman.

USAID Provides Grants to Support Workers’ Rights, Traffic Safety and Local Newspaper

Advanced Training on Disability Inclusion

USAID funded an advanced training workshop on March 24, 2009, targeting non-governmental organizations. The objective of the workshop was to provide non-governmental organizations with the tools and methodologies necessary to employ people with disabilities in their organizations. The workshop covered the following themes: criteria to engineer a space in an inclusive manner, orientation and mobility for the visually impaired and the physically disabled, vocational and social communication, adapted modes of communication and access to information materials and adapting scopes of work. Many of organizations who attended the workshop will use the information as they plan on employing people with disabilities within their institutions, as part of USAID's Towards Inclusive Development in Lebanon program.

USAID/Lebanon Completes Oil Spill Clean-Up

As the final phase of completion of the oil spill cleanup activity along the coastline, USAID funded the transport of oil-contaminated sand from Jbeil to a Ministry of Environment designated landfill area in Beirut.  USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol visited the area in Beirut on March 17, 2009 to verify completion of the mission obligations under the MOU for this activity.

USAID Provides Scholarships to the Lebanese American University

USAID Receives Environmental Award

The USAID Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol received an award from the Ministry of Environment and Mrs. Sleiman (wife of President Sleiman of Lebanon), recognizing USAID’s contribution to the preservation and conservation of the environment in Lebanon. The award was presented at the “Permanent National Conference for the Environment” on March 7, 2009 at an event attended by 1,000 people. 

USAID Launches “Citizen Municipal Guide” in Braille

USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol attended the launching of the “Citizen Municipal Guide” in Braille at the Municipality of Sin El Fil on February 19, 2009.  The Braille version will help visually impaired citizens better understand their rights in transactions conducted at local municipalities.

USAID Launches Program to Modernize Tax Information and Citizen Reception Office

USAID Presents $400,000 to International College

USAID Funds Municipal Citizen Guide for Batroun

USAID Helps the Elderly in Aley

USAID Presents $50,000 to Saint Joseph University

Opening of a New Youth Center in Ebl Es-Saqi

With funding from USAID/OTI (Office of Transition Initiatives), a new Youth Center was recently inaugurated at Ebl Es-Saqi in Marjayoun by the USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol. The idea to establish the Youth Center initially stems from the need to establish a community space for the youth of this area to meet, attract other youth activists and offer services to students. The project, in a multi-confessional area, was implemented in partnership with the Lebanese Development Forum (LDF), a local organization active in the area. As part of the project, OTI also provided a leadership training camp for the youth.  Both the mayors and youth present expressed their desire to find compromise and religious tolerance through programs which will be designed and implemented by the youth.

USAID Launches New TRA Website

USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol attended the launching of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)’s new portal and information database on December 3, 2008.  Along with the Minister of Telecommunications, Ms. Herbol spoke about the importance of this program as the GOL moves forward in preparation for the sale of the two mobile telecoms in Lebanon.  The project falls under the USAID-funded Transparency and Accountability Grants (TAG) program, implemented by AMIDEAST. USAID provided a grant to the TRA for $100,000 to enable it to develop its current website www.tra.gov.lb that serves as a comprehensive bi-lingual information portal on information and communication technology (ICT), targeting the general public as well as ICT professionals. The TRA’s share of the project amounts to $65,320.

Public School Receives New Computer Laboratory

Within the context of the LEAD (Lebanon Education Assistance for Development) program, USAID funded the establishment of a brand new computer laboratory at a public school in Jbeil that will benefit more than 300 students enrolled at the school. Implemented by the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and the Cooperative Housing Foundation(CHF), the LEAD program aims to: 1) Carry out minor repair works to enhance the physical capabilities of public schools 2) Provide school equipment such as science laboratory equipment, classroom equipment and computer laboratories 3) Implement awareness programs on health, nutrition and social awareness for a better learning environment 4) Conduct extracurricular activities to enhance the students’ skills and learning experience. As a result of the program, more than 85,000 students at 283 public schools throughout Lebanon will benefit from an improved educational environment.

USAID Supports Four Lebanese Organizations

USAID provided $198,840 to four Lebanese non-governmental organizations at a ceremony held at Father Afif Osseiran Foundation. The four organizations that received assistance are: a) Father Afif Osseiran “Foyer de la Providence” to improve the center’s vocational training facilities and classrooms; b) Association of Graduates Institute of Fine Arts at the Lebanese University to purchase equipment for the Lebanese University Fourth Branch in Deir El Qamar; c) Mission de Vie to improve its center to helping more than seventy homeless individuals per year and d) Youth Association for the Blind to improve its overall services in helping visually impaired children have access to quality education.

USAID Supports Lebanese Communities Around Nahr El Bared Camp

USAID Inaugurates Agricultural Cooperative in South Lebanon

USAID Provides Assistance to Communities Around Nahr El Bared

Within the context of its support to the North, USAID is providing assistance to the Lebanese communities around Nahr El Bared. USAID will support the stabilization, rehabilitation and livelihood recovery of these communities by creating jobs, rebuilding the capacity of local governments and other institutions to support their constituents, and improving water management and resources, as well as supporting small and medium size enterprises in affected areas. Funded at a level of $6 million, the program is being implemented by the Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) and Relief International (RI).  

USAID Launches E-Municipality Initiative

More than $1 Million in Assistance to Vulnerable Citizens

USAID Helps Young Orphans

USAID Celebrates Achievements of Organic Farming Program

USAID and partner World Vision celebrated the achievements of the SABIL program, which created and strengthened the organic agriculture sector in Lebanon. With USAID funding over the past three years, the Sustainable Agri-Business Initiative for Lebanon – SABIL program has established organic agriculture as a profitable and sustainable farming system for rural Lebanese communities. Activities included developing a local cooperative – Bio Coop Lubnan – that became an independent and capable organization, with extension services, production facilities and marketing capabilities. 120 farmers are members of Bio Coop Lubnan. Through the program, Lebanese farmers were able to earn organic certifications and sell their produce under the brand name Campagnia. Furthermore, some organic products have been exported to the Gulf and to Europe. More than 600 new employment opportunities have been created under the SABIL project.

Olive Oil Cooperative Receives USAID-Funded Equipment

Municipalities Receive Training on Economic Development

USAID Constructs New Building for Agricultural Cooperatives in South Lebanon

Training Program Strengthens Rural Municipalities

Public Schools Incorporate Information Technology into Classrooms

Under the Lebanon Education Assistance for Development (LEAD) program, USAID funded the Learning Enhances Awareness (LEA) training sessions in partnership with the Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) and local partner IJMA3. As part of the LEA project, the El-Mourabi Fadl El-Moukadam Secondary School for Girls in Tripoli – one of seven schools participating in the LEA project – benefited from the information technology training. Nine students and seven teachers received training on how to use IT to improve students’ learning process. The goal of the LEA project is to introduce information technology into classrooms and encourage teachers and students to integrate IT into their teaching methods. Also under the LEA project, the school received computer equipment to apply the newly taught methods.

School Students Visit USAID-Funded Solid Waste Management Facility

Local Agricultural Cooperative Generates Income from Feed with USAID Funding

As part of the USAID-funded Landmine and War Victims’ Assistance program in the district of Jezzine, an animal feed mill was established in the village of Azour. The feed mill’s purpose is to cater for the needs of project beneficiaries by ensuring quality animal feed at affordable cost. The cooperative buys raw materials from the local market and processes them in the feed mill – taking into account the right mix for various agricultural needs, facilitates access to feed at a competitive price, controls feed quality and generates income to the cooperative through sales in various villages throughout the district. During the month of February 2008, the cooperative’s income from selling both poultry and goat feed alone reached more than $15,000.

With USAID Funding Municipal Employees Receive Training for Better Efficiency

With funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), 24 managers and senior staff representing ten large municipalities participated in a best practices workshop organized by the State University of New York/Center for Legislative Development (SUNY/CLD). The workshop mainly focused on facilitating efficient working relationships among participating institutions. The workshop also explained the Municipal Personnel and Payroll System software application that has been developed under the program. This workshop is part of a series of workshops that help municipalities throughout Lebanon share experiences for better efficiency and to promote the standardization of human resource management.

Tourist Maps of Lebanon Are Now Online

Under its tourism portfolio, USAID funded the development of the first interactive mapping website in Lebanon and the Arab world at www.LebanonMaps.net.  The website allows travelers to Lebanon to query a specific tourist attraction and locate it on a map, as well as zoom in or zoom out and obtain customized itineraries and driving directions. Most major and minor tourist sites and lodgings throughout the country are featured on the website, with descriptions, photos and contact information. This project was implemented by SRI International, in partnership with local organization INMA and the Ministry of Tourism.

1,250 Students Benefit from Enhanced Vocational Training Facilities

With USAID funding under the tourism portfolio, assistance is being provided to promote the human resources in the tourism, catering and hospitality sectors in Lebanon. Within the context of this program, USAID is extending assistance to Al-Kafaat Foundation, a leading vocational training institution in Lebanon, through the American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA). The program recently completed the finishing of the institution’s on-campus training restaurant – which serves as an on-the-job training facility for students – as well as provided one hundred computers for its graphic design computer laboratory. Furthermore, the program established an office for placement services on campus to help students find gainful employment upon their graduation. Since its inception in January, the office has helped forty-two students find employment. Also, owners of rural cottage inns – who are beneficiaries under a parallel objective in this program – are benefiting from hands-on training at the institutions’ premises. Al-Kafaat graphic design students have been recruited to design the websites and outreach materials for these beneficiaries in order to improve the marketing of their rural establishments.

School Children Learn about Dental Hygiene

With USAID funding under the LEAD (Lebanon Education Assistance for Development) program, dental hygiene awareness sessions were held in Chouf, targeting 190 public school students from two public schools. Teachers and health educators from both schools also attended the session, which were conducted in partnership with four dentists from Universite Saint Joseph (USJ). The sessions covered the following topics: the types of healthy foods, the foods that most damage the teeth, how to brush the teeth daily, the development of the teeth and the gum, the importance of fluoride and the measures to prevent cavities. During the sessions, dental hygiene kits – including a toothbrush and toothpaste – as well as educational flyers were distributed to the students.

Landmine and War Victims in the South Raise Goats

With funding from USAID, landmine and war victims and their families residing in the Southern district of Jezzine received goats, as part of an income-generating initiative. The goat rearing program has thus far provided four goats to fifteen landmine victims in the area. Goats will be sold for meat as well as used for milk production, with the aim of increasing the goat owners’ household income by about $250 per month. As part of the program, each goat owner receives technical training, veterinary services for the goats, feed for a period of three months and marketing services.

USAID Project Revives Ancient Archeological Sites

Within the context of USAID’s rural tourism portfolio, SRI International has installed six information panels in the Sfire Roman Temple located in Dinnieh in North Lebnaon. Each panel provides the historical context and background for the site, as well as three-dimensional drawings that feature how the structure stood two millenniums ago. The project was achieved in partnership with local historians and archeologists and aims to revive Lebanon’s rural areas by promoting long-neglected archeological sites. Similar work was also executed at the ruins of the Roman temple of Maqam Ar-Rab in Akkar.  

Water Establishment Improves Financial Practices

With USAID funding, employees at the South Lebanon Water Establishment are receiving technical assistance on new financial methods as part of the Lebanon Water Policy Program (LWPP). The program developed a Financial Cost Recovery software program for the Establishment to better monitor its revenues, expenses and cost recovery. This tool will also allow the Establishment to grow into a viable entity with both capable management and technical staff. The LWPP program provides continuous supervision and on-the-job training to the employees who are responsible for the update of the financial model. 

USAID-Funded Program Improves Banana Production

With USAID funding, the Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) is currently improving banana production in Saida, South Lebanon. Within the context of this project, CHF introduced the concept of the net house for growing bananas, in order to protect them from adverse climatic conditions. The net house technique enables farmers to produce 8 tons of banana bunches per 1,000 square meters, as compared to 2.5 tons in open fields. The selling price of bananas has also increased as a result of the project because of early harvesting and proper post-handling, reflecting a 14% increase in net profit. The project also features training on harvesting and post-harvesting techniques targeting farmers and growers. As of September 2007, 190 tons of bananas have been produced, generating $103,684 in total sales. The project has also created 209 jobs and trained more than 530 persons on various related subjects.

Lebanese Students Have Better Learning Environments

The U.S. Government is responding to the specific needs of public schools throughout Lebanon, by providing them with renovation works, computer and science laboratories and extracurricular activities. The First Intermediate School for Girls in Zgharta is one of 263 public schools that are currently receiving USAID assistance under the LEAD (Lebanon Education Assistance for Development) program. Established in Zgharta since 1962, the school accommodates 268 young girls coming from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. The school’s physical structure was in dire condition, with the staircase constituting a hazard to the children.  With USAID funding, the Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) repaired the school’s staircase, painted the school’s external façade and did maintenance works in the restrooms.

Lebanese ICT Firms Access International Markets

With U.S. Government funding through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), twenty Lebanese companies specializing in information and communication technology (ICT) participated in the much-awaited regional exhibition GITEX (Gulf Information Technology Exhibition) in Dubai on September 8-12, 2007. The yearly exhibition is a golden opportunity for ICT companies worldwide to market their products and technology solutions to potential buyers from the Gulf and worldwide. To maximize the participating companies’ benefit from the exhibition, two experts representing international markets were available on site to provide technical assistance on international marketing strategies and exporting techniques pertaining to the ICT sector. Participation to the GiTEX 2007 came as a follow up to last year’s participation, which resulted in 3,000 contacts for Lebanese companies, as well as over $1 million worth of international orders.

Lebanese Students Explore Cedar Forests

Children from two schools in Barja, part of the 200 public schools being upgraded by the U.S. Government, took a field trip to Lebanon’s famous cedar forests in Barouk and Beit Eddine. In addition to enjoying a day outdoors, they learned about the ecology of the cedar forests and native plants and animals.

Expert Food Tasters Give High Marks to Lebanese Mezze

More than 150 visitors attended a Mezze Festival in Zahle, Lebanon, on July 29, 2007. Visitors watched a mezze tasting competition, and bought food and crafts from small local and regional businesses. Twelve contestants from across Lebanon competed in the tasting for the awards of best traditional and innovative mezze. The jury consisted of an executive chef, restaurant entrepreneur and other food experts.

Prospective Guides Trained for Lebanon Mountain Trail

Fifty prospective local guides for the newly marked Lebanon Mountain Trail learned proper guiding skills in two outdoor workshops in July. Their enthusiasm and the commitment of villagers along the trail demonstrate the determination of Lebanon’s mountain communities to conserve their unique natural and cultural heritage.

Lebanese Companies Participate in 53rd Annual Fancy Food Show in New York

Tourism in Lebanon Goes High Tech with Hand-Held GPS Guides

Soon visitors to Lebanon will be able to use hand-held GPS devices to find tourist sites and neighboring businesses throughout the country. These PDA Guides have 11,000 destinations programmed into them, complete with maps, route plans, estimated times to arrival and information on businesses in the area. Seventy of them will be distributed to hotels and other tourist organizations to loan, free of charge, to tourists visiting Lebanon.

Trainers Prepared to Teach Safe Food Handling Techniques

About 40 trainers from across Lebanon attended a course in food handling and quality control sponsored by the U.S. Government. The course covered topics ranging from harvesting techniques and food safety to market preparation. The trainers are now qualified to train others in the techniques, spreading the know-how throughout the country.

Rebuilt Bridge Re-establishes Link between Villages in Western Bekaa

The U.S. Government finished rebuilding the Nahr Al-Shita Bridge in the Western Bekaa’s Markaba region in May 2007. The bridge, situated on the Litany River, is an important link between villages. It was destroyed during last summer’s conflict.