USAID: From the American People | ASIA USAID 50th Anniversary
 
This is a photo of President John F. Kennedy signing the foreign assistance bill. USAID Marks 50 Years of Promoting Peace and Prosperity

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was born out of a spirit of progress, innovation and a reflection of America’s values, character and a fundamental belief in doing the right thing.  President John F. Kennedy recognized the need to unite development in to a single agency to maximize expertise.  In 1961, USAID was created.  Since that time, USAID has worked to further America's foreign policy interests in expanding democracy and free markets while improving the lives of the citizens of the developing world. Spending less than one-half of 1 percent of the federal budget, USAID works around the world to achieve these goals.

For a look back at the beginning of USAID and current development assistance programs around the world please visit http://50.usaid.gov/.


This is a photo of USAID OFDA team delivering flood-relief supplies to ThailandU.S. Flood Relief in Thailand

On behalf of the American people, USAID is working to help our friends throughout Thailand who are suffering from devastating floods that have affected the lives of more than 2.1 million people in 27 provinces and have killed 377 people since late July.   USAID, through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) have provided more than $1 million in the form of supplies including boats, generators, water pumps and filters, and life jackets.  The United States government provided the support of a military surveillance and humanitarian team, in addition to funding and support.  The U.S. Embassy community in Thailand has contributed food and money, and donated blood, to help victims of this natural disaster.  For more on the flooding in Thailand and the ongoing U.S. relief efforts please visit U.S. Embassy Thailand’s flood information page


This is a photo of Jason Mraz promoting MTV EXIT Live Manlia. MTV EXIT Live Manila

The USAID-supported MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) program delivered another awesome concert packed with star-studded artists.  In Manila, Philippines, on October 29, more than 25,000 people came out to see Jay Park, Evaline and Jason Mraz (pictured here).  Celebrities and fans gathered at MTV EXIT Live Manila to join the anti-trafficking movement to put an end to modern-day slavery.  For more photos and video of the concert, and for information on how you can help, please visit mtvexit.org. 



This is a photo of Santi, the first female wildlife enforcement ranger in Thailand. First Female Wildlife Enforcement Ranger

Santi, Indonesia’s Investigator of the Year in 2010, recently became the first woman ever to pass through the RDMA-funded Freeland Foundation’s wildlife enforcement ranger training.  Freeland Foundation runs the USAID-funded ARREST program to end illegal wildlife trafficking in Asia.  The rigorous training course was designed and taught by Freeland Foundation instructors in Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park.  Santi said she was “very happy” with the training.  For more information on Freeland Foundation and their work to save wildlife please visit freeland.org

FEATURE PHOTO


This is a photo of an anti-trafficking banner placed througout airports in Asia.

Public awareness banners are placed at airports, custom offices and ports along China’s borders of Vietnam, Laos and China-Burma in effort to inform passersby about the damaging practice of wildlife trafficking.
This page last updated on July 13, 2011
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