Above: Expert panel speaks to a packed room at briefing on aid in Northern Triangle
BEC and Interaction jointly convened a briefing on the afternoon of April 25th, 2019 to inform Congress of the scope and impact of programming Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala and to encourage Congressional Members to reach out to the Administration and express support for aid to the region. Panelists included: Ana Flórez (Director of Global Education, FHI 360), Lanre Williams-Ayedun (Director for Child Protection and Education, World Vision), Anna Sahakyan (Director of Accountability and Transparency, Counterpart International) and Justin Fugle (Senior Advisor for Policy and Program Outreach, Plan International). Marilyn Shapley (Senior Policy Advisor, Mercy Corps) served as moderator.
BEC believes that the Administration’s decision to suspend funding for foreign assistance programs in the Northern Triangle will jeopardize international efforts to stabilize the region and provide opportunities for families in need. USAID’s education programs provide students with safe and equitable access to quality education so that children develop the necessary skills to build a life for themselves. Suspending U.S. funding for these critical activities will only further exacerbate local tensions and decrease the likelihood that children in these communities will grow up safe, educated, and ready to pursue a vibrant and prosperous future.
The Basic Education Coalition is grateful to the Members of Congress who have already spoken out in support of foreign assistance to this region and vowed to oppose the Administration’s decision to suspend aid funding. Continued U.S. support for Central America is vital to ensure that children and youth have access to safe, quality education and opportunities to participate in the 21st century economy.
Above: Marilyn Shapley (Mercy Corps) and Ana Florez (FHI 360) championing the positive impact of aid in the Northern Triangle