SPECIAL SELF-HELP PROGRAM ASSISTS 47,000

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MAPUTO 000480 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EAID ETRD PREL MZ SUBJECT: SPECIAL SELF-HELP PROGRAM ASSISTS 47,000 MOZAMBICANS REF: STATE 14872 ¶1. The Ambassador's Special Self-Help Program (SSH) in Mozambique is an integral part of the U.S. Mission. It allows the Executive Office to respond quickly to requests from local communities for assistance that have an immediate impact while furthering our mission policies and objectives and bolstering our people-to-people public outreach efforts. It also enhances intra-Mission cooperation, as State, USAID, and Peace Corps elements work together to select worthwhile projects. SSH programs funded with FY07 monies assist approximately 10,000 Mozambicans, programs funded with FY06 monies assist approximately 37,000 Mozambicans, and given the sustainable nature of the projects, the numbers continue to increase. The programs helped local communities gain access to fresh water, education, and otherwise improve the quality of life. Considering that the program received only USD 70,000 in FY07, the return on the investment is quite significant and the Embassy looks to continue implementing this successful initiative in coming years. Below are capsule descriptions of each successful project. -------------- FY07 SSH PROGRAM RESULTS -------------- ¶2. With FYO7 funds, approximately 350 families and 5,235 individuals are benefiting from access to improved drinking water and improved sanitation facilities. ¶A. Ecumenical Secondary School Sao Joao de Chidenguele received USD 1,000 for the purchase of educational books and English resources. The project is located in Manjacaze District, Gaza Province and is benefiting more than 1,000 students. This project is augmented by support from a Peace Corps Volunteer. ¶B. The Cultural Association of Zavala (ACUZA) received USD 18,000 to construct three classrooms. The SSH grant led ACUZA and the community to contribute matching funds for the construction, and the project received technical support from Ministry of Education. The project is located in Zavala district, Inhambane province and is benefiting more than 1,000 students. ¶C. The Association for Community Development (MUDJAXIHI) received USD 11,900 for the construction of a drinking water well and windmill. The project benefits over 150 families in the region, reducing the significant amount of time spent mainly by women retrieving water. The project is located in Namaacha district, Maputo province. ¶D. The Secondary School of Jecua received USD 5,100 to equip a laboratory facility at the school. The project is benefiting 3,200 students and allows students and teachers to use real scientific equipment. A Peace Corps Volunteer helped the school submit the proposal and assisted with the construction of the facility and purchase of equipment. The PCV is also training teachers how to use the equipment. The project is located in Manica district, Manica Province. ¶E. The Primary School of Domela received USD 15,000 for the construction of classrooms. The project benefits approximately 500 students, allowing some of them to attend school for the first time. The project is located in Nicoadala district, Zambezia Province. ¶F. The Homoine District Coordination Committee received USD 19,000 for the construction of cisterns. The project benefits 200 families. The cisterns collect water during the rainy season and provide water access during periods of drought. The project is located in Homoine district, Inhmabane Province. -------------- FY06 SSH PROGRAM -------------- ¶3. With FY06 funds, approximately 37,000 individuals benefit from SSH projects. ¶A. The Secondary School of Zobue received USD 14,000 to create a computer room to introduce students and teachers to computer technology. 1,050 students and teachers along with 3000 members of the extended community now use the facility. ¶B. The Chibuto office of the National Institute for Social Action (INAS) received USD 14,000 to open a water well and install a pump to supply potable water for the community of Cubo in Chibuto. 5,235 persons now have access to water that MAPUTO 00000480 002 OF 002 did not before. ¶C. The 'Wiwanana' (Solidarity) Association received USD 14,000 to install a flour grinding mill for the Community of Nauela in the District of Alto-Molocue. This new, more modern mill is closer to the community and faster than alternatives, reducing time women and children spend traveling and working at this task. 2,500 residents from Nuela and 4481 persons from surrounding communities directly benefit. ¶D. The Santa Isabel Mission of Inhambane received USD 14,800 to create a computer room for computer skills training and other professional activities, including research, to young girls, unmarried mothers and widows in the Guiua district. 150 students per year are directly benefited along with 900 persons in the extended community. ¶E. The Muslim Women's Association (An-Nissa) received USD 12,000 to purchase medical equipment and material for the pediatric section of the Jose Macamo Hospital in Maputo. Several thousand children currently benefit, with the number continuing to increase. ¶F. The village of Mateus Sansao Mutemba in Tete received USD 1,200 to teach young children sewing skills. Approximately 200 students have received training so far, some of whom have now set up small businesses based on these skills. Chapman