USAID Is Not a Charity
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Agency for International Development
I have served with USAID, advancing U.S. strategic interests abroad for more than 15 years. During my career, I’ve been an FSN [locally employed staff], a USAID contractor, an FSL [Foreign Service Limited employee], and finally a Foreign Service officer. From day one, I understood that USAID is not a charity—it is an investment in American security. My efforts contributed to reducing youth radicalization, fostering economic partnerships, and strengthening diplomatic ties.
One of the most effective programs I led was an English language initiative in a MENA country [Middle East and North Africa], which successfully integrated English into the national curriculum from primary school through university. This program was not just about language—it was about building pro-American sentiment, expanding economic opportunities, and countering misinformation. I was on the verge of replicating this success in Mali for 20,000 young people when the decision to recall FSOs and shut down critical programs came down from the new administration. This decision directly undermines U.S. influence and security efforts in regions vulnerable to extremism.
On a personal level, this action has left my family in crisis. Losing my job means I can no longer afford my small apartment in Virginia, the only home I have. With no means to cover the mortgage, I face foreclosure. Worse, my daughter will be forced to drop out of school, derailing her future. My husband and I now face homelessness, with nowhere to go once we return to the U.S. Our savings will not sustain us for more than a month.
—Anonymous FS member
