USAID Cuba Program
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
2004-002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2004
Overview
The USAID Cuba Program promotes a rapid and peaceful transition towards democracy in Cuba. The strategic objective is to increase the flow of accurate information of democracy, human rights and free enterprise to from and within the island. To date, a total of $26 million has been obligated in grants to 28 Non-Government Organizations (NGO's) to do the following:
- Build Solidarity with Cuba's Human Rights Activists
USAID grantees have delivered food and medicine to families of political prisoners and other victims of repression in Cuba. Grantees have provided the activists with books, newsletters, videos and other information materials, as well as office equipment and other materials.
- Provide a Voice to Cuba's Independent Journalists
USAID grantees have published more than 10,000 reports, via the internet, from Cuba's independent journalists and disseminated them in hard copy newsletters throughout Cuba. More than 100 independent journalists have taken journalism training courses provided by USAID grantees.
- Develop Independent Cuban NGOs
USAID grantees have sent more than 80 international experts into Cuba to help train and develop independent Cuban NGOs.
- Provide Direct Outreach to the Cuban People
USAID has provided the following outreach to the Cuban people:
- 10,000 short-wave radios to the Cuban people to listen to international programming of their choice;
- 2 million books, newsletters and other informational materials;
- Support of direct outreach activities of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana;
- Multi-media and internet access program for Cuban citizens; and
- Full scholarships for Cuban students to study in the U.S.
- PLANNING FOR TRANSITION
USAID has provided planning grants to the following Universities and NGOs
- Rutgers University;
- University of Miami;
- International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES); and
- U.S. - Cuba Business Council
For more information about USAID's efforts in Cuba, please visit www.usaid.gov/regions/lac/cu/.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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