Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04DJIBOUTI474
2004-03-31 11:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Djibouti
Cable title:  

DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF EACTI ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Tags:  PREL EAID KPAO CT DJ 
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UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000474 

SIPDIS

DEPT. FOR AF/E J. GAFFNEY, AF/PD C. EFIRD, A. JOHNSON, AND

R. SMITH; DEPT. PASS TO USAID

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID KPAO CT DJ
SUBJECT: DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF EACTI ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PROJECT

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000474

SIPDIS

DEPT. FOR AF/E J. GAFFNEY, AF/PD C. EFIRD, A. JOHNSON, AND

R. SMITH; DEPT. PASS TO USAID

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID KPAO CT DJ
SUBJECT: DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF EACTI ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PROJECT


1. (U) Post has received a high volume of requests in
Djibouti for English language training. Djibouti is a
Francophone island in a predominantly English speaking Horn
of Africa region. The arrival of CJTF-HOA, the only U.S.
Military base in Africa, has created
an additional incentive for Djiboutians to learn English as
they seek employment and contracts with Department of Defense
contractors providing logistical support to the base.


2. (U) In response to this demand, Post approached the
fledgling English language department at Pole University
Djibouti (PUD),an emerging partner to Post's Public Affairs
Section, to explore possibilities for collaboration. Staff
and students alike bemoaned the lack of a language laboratory
where they could listen to native English speakers and
practice pronunciation and comprehension. After identifying
a potential funding mechanism Post approached PUD Director
Hiba Ahmed Hiba, accompanied by the English language
department chief, and presented him with the idea. Hiba
responded positively and stated that his staff would prepare
a proposal outlining their needs for a laboratory. Post has
information that the proposal is complete but remains on
Hiba's desk.


3. (U) Conoff met March 29 with Mohamed Ali Hassan, Director
of bi-lateral relations at the Djiboutian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, to solicit support in the establishment of an
English language laboratory and American Corners at PUD. The
meeting was a follow-on to Ambassador's March 27 meeting with
Hassan on other matters in which Hassan requested U.S.
assistance in providing English language training
opportunities for Djibouti. Ambassador had explained to
Hassan the existence of a language laboratory proposal under
the East Africa Counterterrorism Initiative (EACTI) that had
been funded but which languished with PUD. Hassan asked for
a copy of the letter to PUD offering the project, which
Conoff subsequently delivered.


4. (U) Post has been delayed in the implementation of EACTI
funds for these projects by the inaction of PUD Director
Hiba. The initiatives are actively supported by Hiba's PUD
staff and Education Ministry officials. Hassan asked to be
courtesy copied on all Public Affairs related correspondence
with Government of Djibouti institutions and commented that
he would ask the Minister of Education to investigate the
delay. Hassan also said he would like the Embassy to explore
ways in which the MFA could profit from U.S. assistance to
create the institutional capacity to provide English language
formation to its staff. Ambassador Ragsdale and Conoff will
meet with PUD Director Hiba April 1 to accentuate Post's
desire to commence implementation of EACTI funds which must
be obligated this fiscal year.


5. (U) Comment: Post continues to actively pursue Public
Diplomacy activities in this front line state in the Global
War on Terrorism. Post is working to complete the ground
work for EACTI fund obligation but faces unique challenges.
The lack of PD activities at Post since the closing of USIS
some fifteen years ago has left a dirth of partners that must
be rebuilt from the ground up. The comparatively massive
resources available to the French Cultural Center and the
French Cooperation tacitly discourage engagement with U.S.
partners. In addition, significant portions of Post's
limited human resources are consumed with media outreach. End
Comment.
RAGSDALE