2005 Press Releases

USAID Promotes Security and Economic Development In Segbwema

Freetown

December 21,2005

Contact: PAO

Tel: 226481

December 9….Ambassador Hull visited Segbwema, getting first hand experience of the “Linkages for Livelihood, Security & Economic Development” (LINKS) project.  This is a new, three-year, $8 million program in Sierra Leone sponsored by USAID to help advance reintegration for war-torn populations.  Activities are designed to help people more effectively earn a living at the community level, and to create stronger links between fruitful communities and the regional and national market systems.
The program plans to expand the productivity of micro-enterprise, and help them take advantage of the marketing of improved yields and varieties of agricultural commodities. Savings, literacy and information-sharing activities mobilize small amounts of capital while beginning to address the effects of the disruption of basic services. By stimulating economic growth at the local level, the program aims to further advance reintegration of Sierra Leonean citizens into their own communities.
Ambassador Hull also visited the International Military Advising and Training Team (IMATT) base in Kenema to see general work done in the region by the Republic of Sierra Leone’s Armed Forces (RSLAF) and IMATT.