Transforming Lives

Speeches Shim

Every day, all over the world, USAID brings peace to those who endure violence, health to those who struggle with sickness, and prosperity to those who live in poverty. It is these individuals — these uncounted thousands of lives — that are the true measure of USAID’s successes and the true face of USAID's programs.

During the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), known as Tabaski in West Africa, most households sacrifice a ram or bull. Livestock markets are bustling, and over a million animals are transported and sold across the region in the weeks leading up to this important Islamic holiday.

Imagine living in one of the most biodiverse regions in West Africa, but not being able to reap the benefits of your environment.

In southern Afghanistan, years of war and insecurity have widowed many women. Without a male head of household, women are not able to leave the home to access economic opportunities.

February 2016—Transitions from authoritarian rule to multiparty democracy are often contentious, rocky affairs. But public radio and an organized dose of openness helped Guinea avert violence in 2015 that marred its 2010 election.

Lack of information can quickly spawn destructive rumors and misinformation that fuels conflict. Last October, USAID’s Radio Synergy program trained and deployed more than a 130 journalists in all 33 Guinean prefectures to support communications for the National Independent Electoral Commission.

People leaving in the village of Arijuana in Mozambique's Zambezia province must travel 25 to 50 kilometers on foot to access basic health care. The distance is often too far for the sick to undertake. A new health center in the final stages of construction, however, stands as a testament to perseverance and ingenuity amid a harsh and isolated environment.

Internal conflict left the town of Menaka in northern Mali occupied by a succession of rebel groups for three years. It also left them without electricity.

Haji Hossein Payman established the Etimad Tailoring Co. and retail store in 2009, which produces suits, jeans, T-shirts and women’s dresses. He uses the best brands and highest quality products to win business and compete with foreign products available in the Afghanistan market.

Like every day, Satyavati Devi has just finished singing the same lullaby to her 3-month-old son, Shubham. And like every day, Shubham quickly falls asleep in his mother’s arms to the gentle sounds of her humming. Careful not to wake him up, Devi quietly puts Shubham on the bed and begins to tiptoe out of the room. After she walks a few steps, Devi turns around and goes back to kiss Shubham on his forehead.

Most victims of gender-based violence suffer for long periods in silence. As the violence is often perpetuated behind closed doors, its detection remains a challenge.

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