AMBASSADOR TEITELBAUM DISCUSSES US EDUCATIONAL

UNCLAS ACCRA 000553 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OEXC OIIP PGOV PHUM SCUL XA XY GH SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR TEITELBAUM DISCUSSES US EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES WITH GHANA NATIONAL CHIEF IMAM ¶1. (U) AmbassadoQTeitelbaum discussed US educational opportunities for Muslim students in an hour long session with the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu and 25 Muslim religious and community leaders at the Imam's residence. The Chief Imam, a moderate and long-time friend of the US Embassy, has founded a trust fund to provide secular educational opportunities for marginalized Muslim students. ¶2. (U) Sheikh Osmanu has partnered with the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service to create a foundation to advance the secular education of Muslim youth in Ghana. The Chief Imam stated that, although Muslim youth have a thorough Islamic education, they often lack basic skills of secular education that are necessary to advance in society. He aims to create up to 150 scholarships for Muslim students to attend local secular schools with the intention that they go on to university or to a training college. Post strongly agrees with the Imam's initiative, and the Ambassador informed the Imam about several USG educational exchanges and in-country programs that benefit Muslim students. ¶3. (U) The Imam plans to conduct a fact-finding and fundraising visit to the US and asked for embassy support. Post supports the Imam's planned visit to the US and will work to arrange a VOLVIS trip. ¶4. (U) Ambassador Teitelbaum also used the opportunity to distribute copies of President Obama's Cairo speech and reinforce the President's message of mutual respect. The Imam's Chief Spokesman, a Columbia University alumnus, stated that the President's speech was very well received within the Ghanaian Muslim community. TEITELBAUM