Tanzanian First Lady Bids Farewell to Ambassador's Spouse

UNCLAS DAR ES SALAAM 000011 STATE FOR O/GAC AND AF/E JLIDDLE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KHIV KPREL TZ SUBJECT: Tanzanian First Lady Bids Farewell to Ambassador's Spouse ¶1. (U) On January 5th, First Lady of Tanzania, Mama Salma Kikwete, hosted a farewell luncheon at Tanzania's State House in honor of Mrs. Sue Green, spouse of the Ambassador, who departed post that same evening. Mrs. Green has played a key role here on HIV/AIDS related issues, appearing publicly with First Lady Mama Kikwete as a "Champion against Stigma." They would frequently speak out against discrimination faced by many orphans and vulnerable children throughout Tanzania, particularly those made vulnerable due to HIV and AIDS. Together, they made an assessment visit to Makete District in the Iringa Region in October 2008. It was during her trip that Mrs. Green was able to hear first-hand accounts and witness the conditions of children living in vulnerable situations by visiting a 12-year old child-headed household. ¶2. (U) Numerous stakeholders from organizations that support the needs of orphans and vulnerable children and their caregivers, as well as representatives from the Tanzanian Department of Social Welfare, and Mrs. Kikwete's non-governmental organization WAMA, which promotes the empowerment of women and children, attended the luncheon. Three orphans from the Dar es Salaam area who receive support from The Salvation Army were also present. ¶3. (U) In her formal remarks, First Lady Kikwete spoke about her experiences working with Mrs. Green in their roles as Champions against Stigma, and gave thanks to the support the U.S. Government is providing for vulnerable children in Tanzania through PEPFAR. AmCit Dan Craun-Selka, Country Director of U.S.-funded PACT Tanzania, presented Mrs. Green with a certificate honoring her for her work in combating stigma against children in Tanzania. One of the orphans presented Mrs. Green with a memory book on behalf of all vulnerable children in Tanzania. The First Lady also presented a framed Tanzanian painting to Mrs. Green and asked that she carry back with her to the U.S. the memories and experiences from her life and work in Tanzania to share with other Americans who may know little about the country. ¶4. (U) In the days following the event, photos were carried in three Swahili (including the front page of Uhuru),and two English dailies with a combined circulation reaching nearly 50,000 readers. ¶5. (U) Comment: It is rare for a spouse of a foreign representative to receive the privilege of having a luncheon hosted in one's honor at State House. This close working relationship with Tanzania's First Lady was cultivated by the previous USAID Mission Director and was augmented by Mrs. Green's activities with the First Lady. It clearly signals the strong partnership the U.S. has developed with Tanzania's first family. The First Lady advocates for the social and economic development of Tanzanian women and children through her NGO, and takes seriously her moniker as "Champion Against Stigma." Post will continue to maintain our strong ties with Tanzania's leadership as we further carry out PEPFAR activities, as it is one of our largest assistance programs ($817 million since inception) to Tanzania. End Comment. Green