US signs 7 agreements with local NGOs

US signs 7 agreements with local NGOs
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Sun 17 Jan. 2010, 04:00 CAT

UNITED States Ambassador to Zambia Donald Booth on Friday signed seven agreements totalling $65,000 in grants to Zambian organisations.

The self-help grants were awarded to community-based organisations for projects such as classrooms, libraries, irrigation equipment and boreholes. Funding comes from the American people through the US Ambassador's Special Self-Help Program.

During a signing ceremony, Ambassador Booth explained that Americans had been assisting communities and people throughout Africa since the programme's inception in 1964.

"The unique aspect of the Special Self-Help Program is that, unlike other aid programs, we work directly with people in their local communities," said Ambassador Booth. "Today in the room with us are teachers from Kasama, farmers from Mongu and environmentalists from Mpika. Small funding produces a large impact when the participants provide Zambian solutions to Zambian problems."

This year's grants will fund improved agricultural practices in Mpika and Mongu, construction of classrooms in Kasama and Livingstone, a library in Lusaka, toilet facilities in Kafue and a borehole for safe drinking water in Mpika.