USAID’s Mission

USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. USAID works in close partnership with private voluntary organizations, indigenous organizations, universities, American businesses, international agencies, other governments, and other U.S. government agencies to expand democracy and free markets while improving the lives of the citizens of the developing world.

Partnership Summary

Through the Leland Initiative and the Asia Near East Bureau, USAID is helping countries achieve sustainable development and deliver information worldwide. By joining forces with Cisco, USAID is making progress to improve Internet connectivity and access around the globe.

Under the Least Developed Country Initiative, Cisco has partnered with USAID's Leland Initiative, through which USAID is working to establish Internet connectivity in African countries, expand access and implement projects that will assist developing countries achieve sustainable development. USAID has also been involved in Phase II of the LDC Initiative, and has agreed to sponsor equipment and instructor training for 75 new Cisco Networking Academies in Africa, as well as CCNP/Sponsored Curriculum in 10 countries. The purpose of LDC Phase II is to build a pipeline reaching down to the secondary school level, out to secondary cities and beyond—providing access and opportunities to more people and contributing to the development of the countries and the success of individuals. Target institutions include refugee camps, girls’ secondary schools, and educational institutions in secondary cities throughout the continent.

In addition to USAID’s support of the LDC Initiative, the USAID ANE Bureau is committed to sponsoring new Academies in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. USAID is also contributing to the participation of women in the Cisco Networking Academy Program around the globe. USAID ANE and Cisco Systems are partnering to provide $350,000 in scholarships for women in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka, to attend Academies in their country.

For more information:
http://www.usaid.gov