1. (U) SUMMARY: To cap off its December events, Post recently
facilitated a book donation to an elementary school in one of
Djibouti City's poorest areas. In addition, Post arranged for
two speakers to participate in a week-long methods and best
practices workshop for night school English teachers. Both
events were free of cost for Post. END SUMMARY



2. (U) On December 20, PAO attended the grand opening of a
library at Balbala I, a primary school located in one of
Djibouti City's poorest areas. About 1700 students, aged 6 to
12, are enrolled in the school, which is one of Post's
International Education Week partners. About 250 books in
French were donated by a church in Canada affiliated with a
Diplomatic Security employee who served TDY in Djibouti. PD
identified, packaged and delivered the books and will
continue to monitor the library's use. The school plans
expand use of the library for teacher training and may
qualify as an American Corners recipient due to the large
degree of community involvement on the campus.



3. (U) During the week of December 26, the English Teacher's
Association in Djibouti hosted a methods and best practices
workshop for night school English teachers. The workshop
focused on teaching large classes and instruction in English
as a second language, including creating lesson plans, using
visual aids and experiential learning. About 25 teachers
attended. Post arranged two "speakers of opportunity" who
participated in each day of the 4-day workshop. Both are
English teachers from the U.S. in town on personal business
loosely affiliated with the Embassy.



4. (U). Post found the workshop to be an effective way to
promote both English learning and American involvement in the
community, two activities prominent in Post's MPP.

RAGSDALE