The Ambassador's Special Self Help Program (SSH) is a development program funded by the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID). The program permits U.S. Ambassadors in Least Developed Countries to quickly finance small, community-based development projects.

     Funding levels are set annually by the State Department's Africa/Economic Policy Staff (AF/EPS). Special Self Help projects should be community based, initiated and administered by the local community. SSH funds finance only a portion of the total construction costs. A significant community contribution in cash, labor and/or local construction materials is required; hence the term "Self Help". In fiscal year 1998, SSH Togo is helping to finance 8 school construction projects, 3 health clinics, 2 well construction projects, 2 public sanitation projects and one women's training center.

   For more information, contact the SSH office at the American Embassy, Lome, Togo.