EMBASSY MASERU REQUEST FOR POST LANGUAGE PROGRAM DIRECT

UNCLAS MASERU 000290 SIPDIS FSI/SLS/CTT FOR ILDIKO WATKINS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AFSI AMGT KFLO LT SUBJECT: EMBASSY MASERU REQUEST FOR POST LANGUAGE PROGRAM DIRECT FUNDING REF: STATE 00095959 1.. Embassy Maseru welcomes the opportunity to submit a proposal for the FSI's Direct Funding Initiative (DFI). Maseru is a 20% hardship and critical crime threat post, and post's ability to offer a rewarding Sesotho Post Language Program (PLP) significantly improves the quality of life for both employees and Eligible Family Members (EFMs). ¶2. Lesotho has two official languages, English and Sesotho. However, Sesotho is often favored in meetings and speeches, and it is the predominant "street" language. Additionally, as FY 2009 will see a dramatic expansion of Public Diplomacy programs supporting two presidential initiatives in Lesotho (the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, or PEPFAR, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, or MCC),knowledge of Sesotho will be essential for most Mission personnel. ¶3. As the Sesotho language program is a high priority, post will continue to support our onsite language program to the extent possible with materials, venues, GSO services, etc. However, the number of U.S. Direct Hire/PSC staff assigned to Mission Maseru has increased from 6 in 2004 to 14 in 2008, making FSI Post Language Program Direct Funding critical to the continuance of an effective program which can be offered to everyone. ¶4. Classroom and Situational Learning: Most incoming officers elect to receive classroom instruction in Sesotho upon arrival, and the PLP will continue to offer lessons by our experienced Sesotho instructor. The cost for the Sesotho instructor is $9.00/hour per student. The cost for instructional materials will be a one-time fee of approximately $60 per student. Post anticipates approximately 6-8 students per week. Students supplement their lessons with local excursions (e.g. market trips, cultural events) which provide realistic opportunities for them to improve their language level. To help keep costs down, students are willing to share the cost of taxis or use personally-owned vehicles for local field trips. ¶5. Immersion weekend: New this year, we propose a weekend-long Sesotho immersion program. Post will collaborate with the Morija Guest Houses, a lodge located in the historical heart of the country only 30 miles from Maseru. The Morija Guest Houses currently host an internationally acclaimed "Sesotho Language and Culture Weekend". The cost of the program will be $1200.00, which includes two nights' accommodation, 6 meals, and numerous language sessions for 10 students. ¶6. Total Request: To continue Maseru's Post Language Program from February 2009 to February 2010, Post requests an additional $4,360.00 comprising $2,160.00 for instruction, $1,200.00 for the weekend immersion program, $500.00 for excursions and $500.00 for materials. ¶7. Post would like to thank FSI for its positive consideration of this request. Any questions should be directed to the Post Language Officer Kit Redmer (email address: RedmerCW@state.gov). NOLAN