September 26, 2011: Today, the U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti, H.E. Geeta Pasi, and the Delegate Minister of International Cooperation, H.E. Ahmed Ali Silay, signed agreements between the two nations to continue efforts to further enhance Djibouti’s education system and bolster its democratic processes. Andrew Karas represented the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in his capacity as Country Representative for Djibouti. The ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Various development partners including government officials, multilateral agencies, and non-governmental organizations attended.
In the education sector, the American people, through USAID, have supported significant accomplishments in the past year. Informed by a USG-financed evaluation of education programming from 2003 to 2009, the Ministry of Education developed a 10-year plan with an increased focus on quality education. In 2010, USAID provided in-service training for 1,211 teachers; technical training to 120 out-of-school youth – of which over half were girls; strengthened 112 Parent Teacher Associations; and supported the development of a gender strategy to improve access to and retention of girls in primary and middle school. Today’s agreement provides for decentralized teacher training, an education management information system to track national school statistics, and programs for out-of school youth so that Djibouti’s youth may learn vital skills that will help them earn their livelihoods.
In 2010, USG’s assistance through USAID to Djibouti’s democracy and governance sector contributed to the 2011 presidential election. Through technical training for election officials, civil society members, and political parties, the American people helped to strengthen Djiboutian democratic processes and structures. Programming included a landmark round-table discussion among political parties on the role of international election observers. Expected results for 2011 include increasing the skills, knowledge, efficiency, and transparency of Djiboutian officials responsible for overseeing the election process, political party development, and civic education to ensure that Djiboutians are informed about and active in future elections.
Today’s agreements total USD $4 million in education assistance and USD $645,000 for democracy and governance.
For more information, please contact the Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy:
(253) 35 39 95
e-mail: DjiboutiPD@State.gov.