Esteemed leaders of our grantee NGOs 
Ladies and Gentlemen

Allow me first of all to welcome you.

In the spirit of the excellent cooperation which exists between our Embassy and your worthy organizations, I have the honor and the great pleasure to join you in this ceremony to award grants which the government of the United States is providing to your organizations. The total amount of these seven grants is 80,000 US dollars.  Our main objective, through this funding, is to support the efforts that your organizations are making in the fight against poverty.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The selection of your organizations was made according to transparent and objective criteria.  These projects touch on a number of areas, such as providing clean and drinkable water, gardening to improve food security, and education.

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is important to recall that the “Self-Help” program was created in 1971. It's a program which brings free assistance, limited to specific areas of concern, to communities.  One of the specifics of the program is that it helps realize small projects for those whose financial means are limited.  It is notable as well for its ease in execution.
 
Thank you.

Joseph LeBaron
Ambassador of the United States to Mauritania

Nouakchott July 26, 2006.