INAUGURATION OF DJIBOUTI SCHOOLS REPAIRED BY

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001249

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF, AF/E AND AF/RSA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MASS MARR SCUL DJ
SUBJECT: INAUGURATION OF DJIBOUTI SCHOOLS REPAIRED BY
CJTF-HOA



1. (U) On September 22, Ambassador joined USAID
Representative, POL/ECON and members of the Combined Joint
Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) to inaugurate in
Tadjoura and in Randa, two schools refurbished and funded by
CJTF-HOA based at Camp Lemonier. Ambassador cut the ribbon
with the Director of each school and delivered brief remarks
to the audiences that included the regional Commissar, a
representative from the Ministry of Education, Mayors, school
directors, staff, and students. CJTF-HOA Chief of Staff,
Colonel Craig S. Huddleston, also delivered brief statements
at each event.


2. (U) Both the Tadjoura Secondary School project and the
Randa Primary School project had been managed by Sergeant
Charles E. Dishman of CJTF-HOA Engineers, in coordination
with Major Francois Ratinaud, Djibouti Country Desk Officer
for CJTF-HOA. At the Tadjoura school facility, 1,300
students, 42 teachers and 5,000 family members benefited from
a project that built and repaired the school's perimeter
fence, painted the interior and exterior of the fence and
repaired and replaced the roof on the principal's office.
The local contractor was Enterprise Abdou Ali and the project
was completed at a cost of USD 24,850.


3. (U) At the Randa school facility, 315 students and 2,000
family members benefited from a project for the safety of
children. CJTF-HOA built and repaired the critical retaining
wall on the hillside adjacent to the school, repaired
electrical wiring to classrooms enabling ceiling fans to
operate, painted the interior and exterior of the school,
repaired and replaced steps, and installed a roof on the
principal's office. The local contractor was Golf Enterprise
and the project was completed at a cost of USD 78,623.


4. (U) In remarks at both sites, the Ambassador expressed
pleasure in joining her military colleagues in celebrating
refurbishment of the schools. She said projects such as
these assist the Government of Djibouti achieve its aims and
objectives to provide constructive education programs for
Djibouti's youth. America wants, as does the Government of
Djibouti, to see those programs come to fruition in a
physical environment that encourages learning and facilitates
instruction, the Ambassador said.


5. (U) The Ambassador continued that these school projects,
like others the U.S. military has undertaken on behalf of the
citizens of Djibouti, will enhance the bright future of the
proud Tadjoura and Randa communities. The work of the U.S.
military, she added, is another example of the cooperation
that is ongoing between the United States and Djibouti in
education and in other fields.


6. (U) The Ambassador concluded by noting the great pride the
U.S. armed forces take in the projects they complete in
Djibouti -- pride that is seen in the smiles on children's
faces and in the enthusiasm of the teachers in the classroom.
She thanked her local hosts for welcoming her and her
military colleagues and extended to both communities her best
wishes for a productive and rewarding school year.


7. (U) Comment: We cannot reiterate enough the value of
simple but effective projects such as those CJTF-HOA has
undertaken. These quick impact undertakings are visibly
appreciated by the people closest to them, especially in the
rural areas. We encourage their continuation as part of the
good work Camp Lemonier is doing to make a difference in
individual lives here in Djibouti. End comment.
RAGSDALE