AMBASSADOR PERRY VISITS SIERRA LEONE'S NORTHERN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000274 SIPDIS AF/W FOR OKEDIJI AID/W FOR NFREEMAN, AFR/SD FOR SMOTEN, USAID GUINEA FOR CBROWN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PREL KDEM PGOV SL SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PERRY VISITS SIERRA LEONE'S NORTHERN PROVINCE ¶1. SUMMARY: Ambassador Perry, accompanied by USAID and PAS staff, visited Port Loko and Bombali Districts in northern Sierra Leone on May 29, 2008. Included in the Ambassador's site visits were two Ambassador's Girls' Scholarship Program (AGSP) schools and meetings with key regional, local and political leaders. These included a meeting with officials of the Makeni regional office of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) and several local election women candidates. The visit was a success on all accounts. END SUMMARY -------------- Port Loko and Bombali: Highlighting the Ambassador Girl's Scholarship Fund (AGSP) -------------- ¶2. The AGSP was launched in Sierra Leone in the 2004-2005 academic year, supporting approximately 3,000 beneficiaries throughout Sierra Leone. Since then the program has grown to support over 4,000 girls and boys in 2007-2008. The AGSP school visits were worthwhile and the contrasts, striking. The Church of God of Prophecy Primary School in Magbontoso, Port Loko District boasts three classroom buildings with a grade per classroom. In contrast, the Bombali District Education Committee School in Pate Bana Masimbo is one structure that accommodates an office and three classrooms, each housing two grades for a school that caters to pupils in six grades. The USAID-funded and managed AGSP sponsors a total of 82 pupils, 62 girls and 20 boys (this academic year) in the two schools. ¶3. During her visit to the AGSP schools, Ambassador Perry addressed the young students, their parents, the school administration and community members. She emphasized the important link between education and good leadership. In each of the schools, the Ambassador made a special donation to the head teachers of "The Autobiography of Frederick Douglass" and "Little Women," providing the captivated audience an overview of the themes of both books - ultimate leadership and success resulting from individual commitment to education and hard work. The Ambassador also donated a box of books for the school libraries through the Embassy's Public Affairs section. Ambassador Perry listened to first- hand accounts about the critical value of the AGSP scholarships, which allow girls (and now some boys) who would otherwise be unable, to continue their education. She witnessed testimonies from girls who emotionally spoke about how this educational opportunity is irreversibly changing their lives and casting a brighter future with opportunities and hope. The Ambassador heard pleas from those present for the continuation and expansion of the program. -------------- Makeni: Civil Society and Government Visit -------------- ¶4. The Ambassador's meeting in Makeni with Northern Province Resident Minister Alie Kamara and other stakeholders, including representatives of government, civil society, health, and education, was an insightful exchange of information and viewpoints. Sierra Leone President Koroma's mother, Alice Koroma participated, as did Minister of Works John Saad, key local officials and a member of parliament. Minister Kamara expressed his pleasure at the visit of Ambassador Perry and encouraged her to return soon for longer deliberations. He also cited the need for further development and support to the North. He appreciated receiving the photo-journal book "America 24/7" from Ambassador Perry, who explained the book reflected the wide diversity that makes America unique and great. The Ambassador also distributed a photo journal on historical Sierra Leonean Paramount Chiefs to each attendee. ¶5. Ambassador Perry visited the Makeni Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) Regional Office, which is almost fully funded by USAID/Sierra Leone. While there, she met with the District Parties Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee and several female candidates running for the upcoming July 5 local elections. The PPRC monitors explained their important work to ensure that political parties operate fairly, peacefully, and within the legal parameters. A female candidate from Koinadugu gave an impassioned speech about the difficulties and obstacles she faces as a woman running for local office in Koinadugu. Nevertheless, she defiantly exclaimed she would fight all obstacles and win in July. Her colleagues enthusiastically FREETOWN 00000274 002 OF 002 approved what she had said. ¶6. Ambassador Perry's presentations at the meetings with the Resident Minister and other attendees, and the PPRC emphasized democracy, good governance, equity, rule of law and electoral procedures as well as conditions for economic growth and stability. Her visit highlighted the impressive work achieved by USG-funded election and human rights activities. The USAID electoral program and the Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) both have supported female candidates for the local elections, particularly in the northern province of Koinadugu District, the only district in Sierra Leone without a female local government representative for the past four years. The Ambassador commended the PPRC on the conduct of the 2007 national elections and encouraged the group to maintain their fairness and effectiveness during these upcoming local government elections. She stressed the importance of including women in the electoral process through outreach and education. Ambassador Perry observed that all the candidates seem to be focused on ensuring another groundbreaking election for Sierra Leone. ¶7. Attendees at the meeting observed a minute of silence to honor PPRC Chair, former Supreme Court Justice Warne who, had passed away the previous week in the U.S., where he was seeking medical treatment. Justice Warne was a highly respected and valued counterpart to the USAID team which worked closely with him while supporting the PPRC during the past year. ¶8. Ambassador Perry's visit emphasized her commitment to promoting gender equity and educational opportunity in Sierra Leone. PRATT