[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 89 (Wednesday, June 29, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H5367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LITHUANIAN KAIMAS FUND PROJECT

  (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the co-chair of the Baltic 
Caucus to commend the work of the Lithuanian Kaimas Fund Project. The 
project provides children in rural areas of Lithuania with educational 
opportunities.
  In just its third year, the project is having a positive impact on 
the lives of more than 2,000 young people in more than 60 rural 
villages across Lithuania. The Kaimas, which stands for countryside, 
Fund is a private-public partnership between the American Lithuanian 
Economic Development Council, the Lithuanian Ministry of Education and 
the Lithuanian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and local non-governmental 
organizations who provide services to young people in Lithuania.
  During a 2-week summer program, community centers throughout 
Lithuania will provide opportunities for youth to participate in 
educational and athletic activities, including computer training. 
Because the project is supported by contributions from American donors, 
the project also demonstrates the generosity of Americans and all the 
shared values between our two countries.
  Most importantly, I would like to encourage the young people and 
leaders of the community centers who are participating in this program 
in Lithuania this summer; they are helping to strengthen the special 
friendship between Lithuania and America. They are also a vital part of 
the future of the special relationship that our two countries share.

                          ____________________