USAID Conference Gets Words of Encouragement from Congress
FrontLines - October 2009
ARLINGTON, Virginia—"I’m a passionate advocate for [US]AID," said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.). "We know the investment we make in a development assistance program can have huge rewards."
The congressman was speaking
at USAID’s Worldwide Education and Training Workshop in Crystal City Aug. 17-21. The event allowed attendees from around the world to discuss topics related to development and international basic education and training.
About 375 participants included Agency education officers
and program staff from 36 countries as well as representatives
from implementing partners
and donor agencies.
Connolly said that he is working with Congress to reform foreign assistance and to make USAID more competitive, cutting edge, and powerful.
"Don’t give up, help is on the way. Your mission is important," he said. "You have some advocates
and partners in the U.S. Congress."
When asked by a USAID employee about the possibility of consolidating USAID and the State Department, Connolly said that he wants to keep them separate.
"My experience tells me they should be different," he said. "State has a different mission."
Connolly said that foreign assistance reform is taking time because Congress wants to ensure that USAID’s flexibility is preserved.
USAID Counselor Jim Michel applauded the group for their progress in improving adult literacy, promoting gender equality, and increasing access to primary education.
"Education is an essential component of any development plan," said Michel, who also served with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Ann Vaughn, a legislative assistant to Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), explained the process
of writing bills to fund international development and how development workers can cooperate with Congress. She stressed that there is strong political support in Congress for education development programs
abroad.
"You have a lot of good friends on the Hill, and talking to us and not being afraid to answer our questions is important,"
she said.
The conference, hosted by the Agency’s Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade, presented sessions on basic and higher education, youth and workforce development,
and the congressional budget process.—L.A.
★
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