A signing ceremony was held on July 19, 2013 at the United States Embassy in N'Djamena during which grants were awarded to six village associations in support of community development activities.  The grants totaled $50,000 (cfa 25 million) in support of the following activities:

1.       Capacity strengthening for a community radio station in Mao (Kanem Region) with funding to provide a water well and equipment ;

2.       Sewing macines for a women's group to provide skills training in Melfi (Guera Region) ;

3.       Production and planting of fruit trees in canton Balimba near Sarh (Moyen Chari Region);

4.       Irrigated vegetable gardening in the oasis village of Yarda (Borkou Region);

5.       Improved access to clean water for human consumption in several Mobou villages (East Tandjile Department) ; and,

6.       Food processing with the purchase and installation of a grinding mill in the village of Goulmoune (East Mayo-Kebbi Region).

Funding for these projects comes from an annual budget allowance that allows the United States Embassy to encourage self-help initiatives at the community level.  These grassroots initiatives include a significant local in-kind or cash contribution which the Embassy complements with Self-Help program funds.