US embassy cable - 05KUWAIT728

UNCLAS KUWAIT 000728 
 
SIPDIS 
 
ABU DHABI FOR MEPI REG OFC 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMPI, PREL, ECON, KPAO, KDEM, KU 
SUBJECT: KUWAIT RESPONSE TO SPA PROPOSALS 
 
REF: STATE 6225 
 
1. Post's MEPI committee recommends two of the six Standing 
Program Announcement (SPA) proposals for funding. They 
include applications from, in descending order, the Sharqiyat 
Institution (SPA-105-168) and Young Entrepreneurs' 
Organization (SPA-105-153). In Post's view, these were the 
highest quality proposals likely to succeed in Kuwait within 
the projected time frame. 
 
2. The Sharqiyat proposal's goal of media training for female 
journalists is achievable and particularly useful in Kuwait 
where media, in Post's determination, is in need of 
professional development. The plan's strategy is concise and 
detailed. The project will provide training to lower level 
journalists who are not often offered such opportunities. 
Furthermore, building a network of professionally trained 
female journalists will support women's efforts to gain full 
political rights. Post's one reservation is that the proposal 
presented no budget although the table of contents indicated 
the inclusion of a budget. 
 
3. The Young Entrepreneurs project seeks to accomplish a 
narrowly defined goal within a detailed timeline providing a 
mechanism to measure success. While the proposal does not 
address differences in unemployment between the Gulf and 
other Middle East countries, its focus on increasing 
entrepreneurship is still germane in Kuwait. The budget 
request is itemized and coherent. Since the organization has 
experience in this type of project in the Gulf, Post would be 
curious to learn about its progress thus far. 
 
4. Post does not recommend funding the four remaining 
proposals: 
--National Center for State Courts (SPA-105-201): Post is 
happy to reconsider this group, but their organizational 
overview booklet did not provide any specific project 
proposal. 
--Saudi Institute (SPA-105-219): The proposed radio station 
does not fill a communication void as Radio Sawa and Al Hurra 
television already exist nor does it present a tangible goal. 
--Labor Solidarity (SPA-105-212): The project is not well 
suited for Kuwait since labor unions tend to be biased and 
not representative of their membership. In addition, the 
large expatriate workforce in Kuwait is not empowered to 
influence labor law reform. 
--ETS (SPA-105-210): They present a good idea with online 
education, but its success is uncertain. It would be 
necessary first to gauge the Kuwaitis' interest in distance 
learning rather than assume their engagement. 
LEBARON