CONGO/B: Status of 2005 Food for Education

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000697

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/C
DEPARTMENT PASS USDA - MARY CHAMBLISS

FROM BRAZZAVILLE EMBASSY OFFICE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EAID CF
SUBJECT: CONGO/B: Status of 2005 Food for Education
Funding



1. Post understands that recipient countries for USDA's 2005
Food for Education program have been made and, that Republic
of Congo (ROC) was not slated to receive funding and have
the program renewed. The Embassy would like to submit as a
reclamma the importance of this program for the Republic of
the Congo. It is one of the major bilateral assistance
programs between the U.S. and ROC. Congo/B is a post
conflict country with dire education needs. The USDA Food
for Education Program has been critical in addressing
education issues all over the country stemming from six
years of civil conflict. The program reaches more than
5,000 children, including at-risk groups like pygmies. The
Embassy strongly supports this program and would like to
request that USDA reconsider ROC for the 2005 selection, or
if that is not possible, we would hope that ROC would be on
the list for any end of the year or unprogrammed funds.


2. Brazzaville Embassy Office - Sanders
DOUGHERTY