Ambassador dedicates English Language Lab

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000945

SIPDIS

State for AF, AF/E, AF/PD;
London/Paris for Africa Watcher

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KPAO PGOV SCUL DJ
SUBJECT: Ambassador dedicates English Language Lab
at Djiboutian Military Headquarters


1. (U) SUMMARY: On September 21, the Ambassador
dedicated an English language laboratory and library at
Camp Cheik Osman, the Djiboutian Military headquarters.
The project was funded by the Embassy's Foreign Military
Financing (FMF) fund. The project is intended to aid
cooperation between the U.S. and Djiboutian militaries, and
between Djibouti and other militaries in the Horn of Africa,
by teaching basic, professionally-specific English to
officers and enlisted soldiers. END SUMMARY



2. On September 21, the Ambassador, Brigade General
Zakaria Cheikh Ibrahim and the Embassy's U.S. Liaison
Officer (USLO) dedicated an American Embassy-funded
English language laboratory and library at Camp Cheik
Osman, the Djiboutian Military headquarters. The
computerized language laboratory was equipped with USD
30,000 of FMF funds. It is intended to provide basic
English language skills to officers and enlisted Djiboutian
military personnel and will be operated over the next 90
days by a temporary duty language instructor from the U.S.
military who specializes in English as a Second Language
(ESL). The instructor will train Djiboutian English
instructors in ESL techniques. USLO is currently searching
for another American to fill the slot after 90 days. The
laboratory has 30 computers, internet connectivity and is
expected to service about 250 soldiers per quarter.


3. In her dedication speech, the Ambassador highlighted the
importance of English to Djibouti, not only for cooperation
with Americans, but also as the common language of the
Horn of Africa. It is vital to regional stability and
development, she said, that Djibouti is able to cooperate,
communicate and share expertise with its neighbors.


4. General Zakaria, in his turn, said that the objective of the
laboratory and library is the learning and perfection of
English for all categories of military personnel. Zakaria
added that the laboratory enhances the level of cooperation
between the United States and Djibouti, and especially
between the two armies.