wfn.org | GOAA - IOCC EXPANDS EDUCATION PROGRAM CITED FOR EXCELLENCE

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SCOBA
The Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas
8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021

INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES (IOCC)
110 West Road, Suite 360, Baltimore, Md. 21204
Tel: (410) 243-9820 - Fax: (410) 243-9824
Web: www.iocc.org - E-mail: news@iocc.org

For immediate release

Oct. 20, 2003

IOCC EXPANDS EDUCATION PROGRAM CITED FOR EXCELLENCE

Baltimore (IOCC) -- Tens of thousands of children in Lebanon won't have to
learn on an empty stomach or go without critical school supplies thanks to
a newly expanded education program by International Orthodox Christian
Charities (IOCC).

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman cited the program, funded by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, for its success in improving child
nutrition and learning in Lebanon.

"Teachers in Lebanon report that children have more energy, concentrate
better and learn faster since the school meals began," Secretary Veneman
said, "while more parents are learning the value of education, especially
for their daughters."

Now in its third year, the program will deliver nutritious meals, school
supplies and lessons in health and hygiene to an estimated 35,000 Lebanese
children in 180 public elementary schools,  nearly three times the size of
last year's program.

IOCC, the humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians, recently was
approved by USDA to continue the program in Lebanon for the 2003-2004
school year.

"We know, after two years of doing this, that giving meals to underserved
children on a daily basis has a significant impact on how well they do in
school," said IOCC Director of Operations Samir Ishak, who recently visited
Lebanon to oversee the program's extension. "The school lunch program holds
out the promise of a brighter, healthier future for these children and for
Lebanon."

Poor school performance in Lebanon is often attributed to absenteeism, poor
health and hunger in children. Public schools enroll some of the most
economically disadvantaged children in the country, many of whom suffer
from deficiencies in vitamin A, iodine and iron, according to USDA's
Foreign Agriculture Service.

IOCC's program addresses these deficiencies, increasing student motivation,
improving concentration, enhancing energy levels and providing an incentive
for children to come to school, Ishak said.

"It is a joy to wake up every day knowing that I will receive a meal at
school," said Marlene, a student at Achrafieh School for Girls in Beirut.
"This proves that someone cares for me, for my brother and for my friends."

In addition to the meals, IOCC provides school supplies, lessons in good
health and hygiene habits, and training for parents and teachers. Making
physical repairs to participating schools and providing schools with
equipment is also part of the program.

Launched as a USDA pilot project in 2001, the McGovern-Dole International
Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program is currently being run in 21
countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern
Europe.

IOCC operates the $8 million program in northern and southern Lebanon and
in Greater Beirut, in cooperation with the University of Balamand and the
Lebanese Ministry of Education. The food is prepared and distributed by
IOCC with the help of local non-governmental organizations.

For more information about IOCC's programs in Lebanon and 13 other
countries, please visit www.iocc.org.

For media inquiries, please contact IOCC Communications Associate Stephen
Huba at 1-877-803-4622 or shuba@iocc.org.

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