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