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To see information recently released by IRD, please visit our press releases page.

IRD is also available to answer any media inquiries; contact Melissa Price at mprice@ird-dc.org or Liz Creel at ecreel@ird-dc.org.

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Spelling Relief
Bethany Today

Bethany, WV — August 16, 2010 — From Post-Katrina help in the Gulf Coast to operations in Haiti and Afghanistan, International Relief and Development (IRD) is known for its expertise in community specialization. Under the leadership of its founder, President and CEO Dr. Arthur Keys '67, H 2006, IRD helps residents prepare the best plan forward.
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Dream Job? Alum Takes Legal Epertise to War Zone
Uhlawalumni.net

Houston, Texas — July 31, 2010 — As a law student in the 1980s with a background in oil and gas production and land management, Vasquez envisioned working with developing countries to help them tap the true potential of their natural resources.  Today, the Law Center alumnus is doing just that as senior legal advisor to the Afghanistan Ministry of Mines through International Relief and Development, Inc.
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ANAIR-IRD: Distribution of Layettes for Babies
Cridem.org

Rosso, Mauritania — July 16, 2010 — IRD and ANAIR held a launching ceremony of the distribution of 7,250 kits consisting of layettes to newborns and kids aged up to 2 years. This donation from IRD/HQ to ANAIR is for returning populations and vulnerable host populations in Mauritania. More than 7,000 children aged 0-2 years and women at term pregnancy will benefit from this operation.
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Junk Food or Humanitarian Aid?
Aljazeera.net

Arlington, VA — June 27, 2010 — IRD's Deputy Director of Sustainable Foods and Agriculture Systems, David Prettyman, participates in a panel discussing U.S. food aid on Al Jazeera English.
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Opening of the Water Pump for Three Villages
Zeri

Malisheva, Kosovo — June 9, 2010 — IRD opens rehabilitated water pump that will provide clean water for 2700 residents in three villages in Kosovo.
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International Relief & Development (IRD) to the Rescue of People in the Department Filingue"
L'Eveil

Niamey, Niger — June 3, 2010 — The launching ceremony of "Operation Free Distribution of Food to People in the Department Filingué” took place in Niger and attended by IRD Representative, Mr. Innocent Gbessy, guests, and beneficiaries. A total of 805 tons will be distributed to 8502 households in thirty-five centers within seven communes of the Filingue department . This distribution will be repeated four times to support farmers and help them through the difficult lean season.
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Eye Project to Give Khammuan Children a Clearer Future
Vientiane Times

Vientiane, Laos — June 2, 2010 — IRD is bringing eye health to children in rural Laos.
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In Afghan Region, U.S. Spreads the Cash to Fight the Taliban
Washington Post

Nawa, Afghanistan — May 31, 2010 — IRD's AVIPA Plus Program has been a hit with Nawa residents since the day it began in December, largely because of the plentiful cash-for-work opportunities.
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Afghan Farmers at War's Epicentre Play Both Sides
AFP

Arghandab, Afghanistan — May 24, 2010 — IRD's AVIPA Plus Program is creating jobs that give the fighting-age men of the area an alternative to picking up a gun.
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Farmers Praise CA Programme
Swazi Observer

Mbabane, Swaziland — May 24, 2010 — Farmers in the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions praise IRD's conservation agriculture program.
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U.S. Hires Afghan Farmers to Hold Off Taliban
Wall Street Journal

Baba Saheb, Afghanistan — May 18, 2010 — IRD's AVIPA Plus Program, injects cash into villages, helping farmers with seeds, fertilizer and advice in exchange for collaboration with the Afghan government.
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Shah Visits Afghanistan, Pakistan Aid Projects
Frontlines

Lahore, Pakistan— April 2010 — USAID administrator, Dr. Rajiv Shah, visited USAID-funded project AVIPA Plus, which is operated by IRD. It gives farmers vouchers for agriculture products, provides cash-for-work projects, and awards small grants to agribusinesses and community associations.
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Marjah Farmers Clean Canals and Get Pumps After Fighting Ends
Frontlines

Marjah, Afghanistan — April 2010 — Only a month after the end of Operation Moshtarak, the U.S. and Afghan military push to evict Taliban fighters from this southern region, IRD is helping to provide jobs, irrigation and better seeds through the AVIPA Plus Program.
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Attacks Fail to Derail Afghan Aid
Frontlines

Afghanistan — April 2010 — After a series of attacks killed
and injured several USAID expatriate and Afghan contractors in
Afghanistan’s troubled southern provinces of Kandahar and
Helmand, Agency officials reassured Afghan officials that U.S.
aid programs would not be curtailed...
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Film Helps Save Birds from Avian Flu in Ukraine
Frontlines

Crimea, Ukraine — April 2010 — IRD produced a short film and T.V. program to raise awareness of avian influenza (AI) and how to help minimize the risk of and AI infection.
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In Marjah, Rooting Out The Taliban Is Only The Start
NPR

Washington, D.C. — March 15, 2010 — Once the Marjah area of the Helmand province in southern Afghanistan is cleared of the Taliban, IRD will play a vital role in giving the residence an economic alternative to militancy through the AVIPA Plus Program.
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Perkins School Gifts Support Blind Students in Baghdad
Wicked Local Watertown

Watertown, Massachusetts — September 2, 2009 —IRD with Perkins School for the Blind
are sending much needed help for the second time with a shipment of Perkins Braillers, a Juliet Pro Braille Embosser (printer), cases of Braille printer paper, and a collection of Braille magazines for the Baghdad School for the Blind
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Braille Equipment to Aid Blind in Baghdad
The Eagle-Tribune

Lawrence, Massachusetts — August 16, 2009 —IRD, with help from Perkins School for the Blind and Sabre Foundation, has shipped desperately needed supplies to The Baghdad School for the Blind.
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Youth Build
WLOX TV

Gulfport, Mississippi — July 20, 2009 —Teens from around the area who may be slipping through the cracks are getting a second chance. Through IRD’s Youth Build Program, at risk teens and young adults are getting counseling, leadership training and technical training while teaching them to give back to the community by building houses for families still living in FEMA trailers.
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Vouchers and Agriculture in Afghanistan
Monday Developments

Northern Afghanistan — June 2009 —IRD's innovative AVIPA program helps farmers use vouchers to improve productivity in difficult conditions in northern Afghanistan.
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ANAIR and IRD Sign a Memorandum of Understanding
Agence Nouakchott d'Information

Nouakchott, Mauritania — June 17, 2009 —The National Agency for Support and Integration of Refugees (ANAIR) and the International Relief and Development (IRD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 17 June 2009 in Nouakchott. IRD will also facilitate the participation of ANAIR staff to training opportunities and various initiatives undertaken by IRD during the implementation of the program funded by the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM). (PDF of article to follow in French.)
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Frederick Man Works to Bring Healing to Sudan
Frederick News

Kaujok, Sudan — June 17, 2009 —IRD Board member John Deckenback discusses his experiences visiting Sudan for 10 days last month to check on the progress of IRD’s humanitarian programs there. Deckenback visited projects providing both reliable sources of water and basic facilities such as a hospitals and schools.
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Colombians Thank Navy "Miracle Workers"
Militay.com

Tumaco, Colombia — June 16, 2009 —In hopes of improving the quality of life for many Colombians, IRD has partnered with the U.S. Department of State to distribute kits which include basic needs items like medical and newborn kits to hygiene, school and first aid kits.
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Cancer Treatment For The Poor
VOA News

Manila, Philippines — June 15, 2009 — Health authorities estimate that by the year 2020, cancer, at its current rate, will have taken the lives of some 10 million people worldwide. Particularly vulnerable are people in developing nations, such as the Philippines. IRD, in partnership with the Asia America Initiative is helping to establish caner treatment for the poor.
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IRD implemented Small Reconstruction Projects in Kindergartens #3 and #5 Kanaker-Zeytun, Yerevan
U.S. Embassy Armenia Web Site

Yerevan, Armenia — May 21, 2009 —In spring 2009 through its Armenian Branch IRD implemented two small reconstruction projects with $24,000 assistance from the U.S. Department of State. Thanks to additional support in $9,000 provided by LDS Charities IRD could fully target the most urgent humanitarian needs in those kindergartens.
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Iraq Archeology: Field Museum, University of Chicago Training Iraqi Archeologists
Chicago Tribune

Baghdad, Iraq — May 6, 2009 —Iraq was home to some of civilization's first outposts and hosted conquerors from Alexander the Great to Americans. Much of that archeological heritage was lost and looted in the chaotic months after the U.S. invasion in 2003. The Field Museum and the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute are training Iraqi archeologists and cultural preservationists, who will return home to train their colleagues. The project is funded by a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. State Department to International Relief and Development.
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IRD Revives Boreholes in Shiselweni
Swazi Observer

Kosovo ArticleMbabane, Swaziland — April 30, 2009 —On April 30, IRD’s work in Swaziland was featured in a two-page spread in the Swazi Observer, one of the leading national newspapers in that southern African country. IRD started operations in Swaziland in 2007, and focuses on water, hygiene, and sanitation; and conservation farming. MORE >>

See original article >>

Queen Noor Presented With Humanitarian Award
King Hussein Foundation

Washington, DC — March 22, 2009 —As part of their 10th year anniversary celebrations, International Relief and Development (IRD) have presented Queen Noor with a Humanitarian award in recognition for Noor Al Hussein Foundation's work with victims of conflict, including refugees and internally displaced peoples.
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Granger receives 2 awards for helping women's causes
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Washington, DC — March 21, 2009 — In the last two weeks, U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, has received two prestigious awards for her international work. On Wednesday, Granger was honored with a humanitarian award by International Relief & Development, a nonprofit group devoted to relieving the suffering of the world’s neediest. The award cites Granger’s "outstanding efforts in promoting women’s leadership." MORE >>

U.S. Aid to Increase Prosperity of Indonesian People: IRD Activities in Indonesia
VOA-Indonesia

Washington, DC — March 18, 2009 — VOA sits down for an interview with Budi Kuncoro, Program Director for Decentralized Basic Education-III (DBE3), a USAID-funded program in Indonesia, implemented with Save the Children and Academy for Educational Development, to develop the life skills of Indonesian students before they enter the work force. MORE >>

Agency Teaches Workers to Handle Dangerous Situations
Pennsylvania Herald-Standard

Farmington, Pennsylvania — March 15, 2009 —Hostiles quickly approached the car from the front. Just as the driver was about to be killed, Tina Wesbrock of IRD slammed the Ford Focus into reverse and gunned it to about 45 miles an hour while she counted out loud. She then took her foot from the accelerator and the weight of the car transferred from the front to the rear end. MORE >>

Sending Supplies to Gaza
WSET ABC-13

Concord, VA — February 20, 2009 — Gleaning of the World is sending another shipment to a part of the world in need. Gleaning is partnering with an aid organization called International Relief and Development to assist people in Gaza. With the money it has raised, Gleaning is sending medical equipment and other supplies to the war-torn region. As you're probably well aware, the region has been torn with violence over the past couple months.
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Education and Mine Clearance in Laos
Voice of America

Khammouane Province, Laos — February 2, 2009 — U.S. Ambassador to Laos Ravic Huso and Deputy Governor of Khammouane Province Oday Sudaphon visited 3 Laotian schools in November that are receiving support from the Humpty Dumpty Institute, in partnership with IRD. Listen to the MP3 of the editorial. MORE >>

Four Kosovo Municipalities and USAID Sign a Memorandum of Understanding
Kosovë

Kosovo ArticlePeja, Kosovo — January 30, 2009 — Nearly 85,000 residents in four municipalities of Kosovo will have clean drinking water, thanks to a project implemented by NGO International Relief and Development (IRD) in Kosovo and funded by USAID. MORE >>

See original article >>

 

Climb-YouthBuild Helping Teens Succeed
WLOX Channel 13 Gulfport

Gulfport, MS — January 27, 2009 — Teens from around the area who may be slipping through the cracks still have a chance to climb the ladder of success. Through the efforts of Climb Youth Build, and the International Relief and Development organization, self esteem and mental toughness are being taught to at risk teens and young adults. MORE >>

History Museum Director to Lead $13M Iraq Project
The Aurora Sentinel

Aurora, Colorado — January 23, 2009 — The executive director of the Aurora History Museum has been selected to lead the $13-million Iraq Cultural Heritage Project, an effort by the nonprofit International Relief and Development funded by the U.S. State Department via a U.S. Embassy grant. MORE >>

Al-Osaily Discusses with IRD Joint Potential Projects
Al-Quds Newspaper

Hebron, West Bank — January 20, 2009 — Mr. Khaled Al-Osaily, head of Hebron municipality, met yesterday in his office with Eng. Naim El-Mani, Chief of Party of the IRD-INP project, Mr. Scott Short, Head of MWH, Mr. Tawfik Arafeh, city Engineer and members of Hebron Municipal Council, to discuss the details of the joint potential projects and the implementation of “Al-Quds School” in the southern suburb of Hebron. MORE >>

FEMA Trailer Residents Struggle to Find Alternative Shelter
Mississippi Public Radio

Gulfport, Mississippi — December 10, 2008 — More than 40,000 Mississippi families have spent time living in FEMA trailers and mobile homes since Katrina. As MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports, with a March deadline looming, those that remain are struggling to find other shelter - and IRD is helping. MORE >>

Walters is on Team to Save Iraqi Art
The Baltimore Sun

Baghdad, Iraq — November 30, 2008 — The collaborative effort will be funded through a roughly $13 million grant the State Department gave to International Relief and Development, a nongovernmental organization. U.S. experts will train Iraqis to preserve their collections by controlling humidity, pollution and light levels. The Iraqis will also learn how to protect their artifacts from floods, fires and other disasters, and the safest ways to move collections from one location to another. MORE >>

Next, Iraq Needs a Civilian Surge
The Roanoke Times
IRD President and CEO Dr. Arthur B. Keys, Jr.

Washington, DC — October 30, 2008 — America has a moral responsibility to Iraq. That responsibility holds regardless of which candidates comes to occupy the White House. A well-funded civilian surge is the way to discharge it. MORE >>

Blessings for the Blind
CNN

Washington, DC — October 16, 2008 — The Baghdad School for the Blind receives an unexpected gift after years of hardship and war — a shipment of desperately needed supplies, courtesy of the Perkins School for the Blind and IRD. Watch the full video. MORE >>

Teaching Them to Fish
Time Magazine

Washington, DC — September 11, 2008 —To help alleviate the crisis, the U.S. shipped some 30,000 metric tons of wheat to the struggling nation in 1999--and continued to do so until 2005. But rather than simply handing over the wheat to produce the low-cost noodles, the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) contracted with a fledgling nongovernmental organization called International Relief & Development (IRD) to create a pioneering food-aid program using a business model that has since become a template for projects in Cambodia, Niger and Sri Lanka.
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Queen Noor addresses UNHCR Annual Consultations with NGOs
The Jordan Times

Amman, Jordan — June 25, 2008 — Her Majesty Queen Noor on Wednesday addressed the UNHCR Annual Consultations with NGOs in Geneva, appealing for renewed international support for the estimated 67 million refugees and displaced people worldwide, including nearly five million displaced Iraqis.

Since 1985, she has been the founder and chairperson of the NHF, which has partnered with the American NGO International Relief and Development (IRD) and the Jordanian Red Crescent to implement innovative programmes funded by UNHCR and the US State Department, that provide primary and psychosocial healthcare screening and referral services to thousands of Iraqi children and mothers in Jordan. MORE >>

Chad: The story of Order # 81707503
ReliefWeb

Koloma, Chad — May 21, 2008 — *This is a UN story on the efforts to distribute supplies to displaced person camps in Southeastern Chad. The relief workers mentioned work for IRD.* An elderly woman sits under one of the few scrawny trees in a parched landscape as she and 8,000 other displaced people wait for aid workers to begin handing out some 100 tonnes of flour, salt, sugar, and cooking oil.

The woman's name is Hawa Brahim and the displaced site is Koloma, near the town of Goz Beida in Chad's southwest.
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People Making a Difference
Jim Lanning, IRD Director of Acquisitions and Logistics

Washington, DC — May, 2008 — I was deeply honored when the Kjaer Group asked me to be the subject of their first "People Making a Difference" profile. It struck me as a great opportunity to encourage those outside the community to get more involved in humanitarian work.
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Volunteers, Home Owners Celebrate Building Blitz
WLOX Gulfport

Gulfport, MS — May 2, 2008 — Home owners cut a cake decorated with the picture of a new house. Friday's noon hour celebration under the gazebo began as an ambitious project several months ago. Everyone sharing the barbecue lunch played a role in the special recovery effort.

Jennifer Stackhouse is a case worker with International Relief and Development. She helped organize the funding and match the need with the providers.

"It's very rewarding. It is very rewarding for me to see them get back on their feet. It's been such a long, hard road for them," she said. MORE >>

Food Aid Groups Push 'Green Revolution' to Fix Hunger Crisis
Associated Press

Kansas City, MO — April 16, 2008 — Amid a deepening world hunger crisis, leading food aid groups are calling for a "green revolution" that would help impoverished regions develop their own agriculture economies rather than relying on U.S.-grown food.
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Healthier Haskell Aims to Make Campus One of Healthiest in Country
Kansas City Star

Kansas City, MO — April 16, 2008 — Thoric Cederstrom, director of food security and food policy for International Relief & Development, which distributes food around the world, discussed a new report on obesity and malnutrition among American Indians at the ninth annual International Food Aid Conference this week in Kansas City.
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Malnutrition at the Margin: The Political Ecology of Global Hunger
The Leadership Imperative - A Mandate for Social Responsibility event
Thoric Cederstrom, Director of Sustainable Foods and Agriculture Systems, presenting

Long Beach, CA — April 10, 2008 — Currently, some 820 million people in the world suffer hunger from not getting enough protein and energy to eat.  Another two billion are unable to meet their daily requirements for vitamins and minerals, leading to a host of micronutrient-related diseases and deficiencies.  And yet, globally there exists enough food resources to meet protein-energy requirements and enough financial resources to produce sufficient micronutrients.  Dr. Cederstrom’s presentation will explore these contradictions by examining some of the complex linkages in global hunger, the role of food aid, and the role of anthropology in promoting truly sustainable development and solving the world food problem. MORE >>

A Visit to Iraq and Jordan, January 2008
Conference Publication, by IRD Board Member John Deckenback

Washington, DC — March 2008 — In January I had the opportunity to spend almost two weeks seeing first-hand another side of this war, the humanitarian effort to provide basic necessities to its victims.
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