US embassy cable - 05DJIBOUTI342

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000342 
 
SIPDIS 
 
State for AF, AF/E, AF/PD 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, KPAO, PGOV, SCUL, DJ 
SUBJECT: PD HOLDS FOCUS GROUP, TOEFL INFORMATION SESSION 
 
1. (U) PD took advantage of the presence of Staffdel Chaka the week of 
March 27 to hold a focus group with about 50 local English students and 
teachers. Members of the Staffdel listened to the concerns and needs of 
the group, while sharing ideas and information about the U.S. The 
program was well-received by both the populace, who felt the highest 
levels of the U.S. government were interested in what they had to say, 
and the delegation, who felt they gained valuable insight into 
Djiboutian culture and the Department's public diplomacy effort in 
Djibouti. Staffdel Chaka, comprised of Malik Chaka and Dr. Pearl-Alice 
Marsh, expressed special interest in Post's focus on the teaching 
community as a bridge to getting its message to the student community. 
 
2. (U) In addition, Post held a TOEFL information session on April 4. 
Post recognizes that the paper test given in Djibouti is an unfamiliar 
format to most locals and included in its session not only information 
on how to register, but also directions on how to fill out the bubble 
sheet and how to effectively use time on such a test. Post found that 
many of the questions at the session revolved around how to apply for 
U.S. study. As a result, Post is planning another "How to Study 
in the United States" information session, similar to the one held last 
November. 
 
3. (U) A delegation which included the Minister of Health, Obock 
District Commissioner, USAID Senior Health Advisor and the USAID Health 
Sector Reform Project Team headed by the Chief of Party, arrived in 
Ala_i Dadda' and M_eho respectively for ribbon cutting ceremonies. 
Large crowds were on hand both days, and included most of the community 
and a military detachment from Obock city. The Djiboutian media covered 
both events. 
 
4. (U) Post hosted Joan McKniff from Africa Regional Services, Paris, 
this week. Her visit included trips to the local University, the Englis 
Teacher's Association of Djibouti, private bookstores and the French 
Cultural Center. The trip was a productive means of promoting ARS, whil 
also sharing ideas with local interlocutors. Post thanks ARS for its 
assistance. 
 
5. (U) Post continued its visits to private night English schools to 
establish conversation groups. There are now three active groups with 
American participants. Two more are scheduled to be vetted next week. 
RAGSDALE