Information and news about the USAID Growth with Equity in Mindanao III (GEM 3) Project

Students of the high school department of Darussalam College in Campo Muslim, Cotabato City, make use of new equipment acquired for the school laboratory by their Parent-Teacher-Community Association (PTCA) with the assistance of USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program. Through its Education Awareness Support Effort (EASE), the GEM Program matches, peso-for-peso, funds raised by PTCAs to improve educational programs and facilities throughout conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. More than $600,000 in matching grants has been awarded to date, and approximately 1,000 additional grants will be awarded over the next five years. The GEM Program is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Economic Development Council. (GEM)

Published in Mindanao Daily Mirror, November 1, 2008; Business Mirror, November 3, 2008; Daily Zamboanga Times, October 31, 2008 and Manila Bulletin, October 31, 2008