1. (U) Djibouti's Ministry of Education hosted February 5-6
at the People's Palace a formal review of its education
reform program, which began in 1999. Funded in part by USAID,
under the Economic Support Funds (ESF) program, the formal
review was an outgrowth of district stakeholders meetings by
Minister of Education Abdi Ibrahim Absieh and a team of
advisors on the country's education reform program
achievements. The review also solicited feedback from
parents, teachers, school directors, non-governmental
organizations and others. The results of the consultations
and feedback will form the basis for Djibouti's Strategy and
Action Plan, which USAID will help develop, for the next
phase of education reform in Djibouti.



2. (U) During the formal review program, the main themes of
educational reform were presented: (1) increasing access to
equity in basic education services; (2) improving the quality
of teaching and learning; (3) strengthening the capacity of
educational institutions; and (4) diversifying and justifying
financial resources in support of education. Along with each
theme, a list of achievements for the academic years
1999-2005 was presented, as well as a list of ongoing
weaknesses or deficiencies. A major achievement, in the
Ministry's view, was an increase in the national primary
school enrollment rate from 39 percent in 1999 to 53 percent
in the 2004-05 academic period. Other achievements, as well
as shortcomings,will be explored in separate communication
with REDSO and USAID headquarters.



3. (U) Nearly 200 stakeholders (parents and civil society
organizaton representatives) from throughout the districts
were sponsored by USAID to attend the two-day event. They
were joined by donor community members and Ministry of
Education officials and staff. The closing session of the
event was presided over by President Ismail Omar Guelleh and
Prime Minister Dileita Mohamed Dileita and attended by
ministers and members of the diplomatic community, including
Ambassador and USAID Director.
RAGSDALE