Alumni Promote Basketball Diplomacy in Zanzibar

May 29, 2012

Zanzibar Affairs Officer Jefferson Smith (front, third from left) and ZAUSSA members on May 26, 2012.

On May 26, Zanzibar Affairs Officer Jefferson Smith joined members of the Zanzibar Association of U.S. State Alumni (ZAUSSA) during a youth basketball program, where he donated 40 basketballs on behalf of the American people. ZAUSSA Chairperson Fatma Khamis Mabrouk and Zanzibar Sports Council Commissioner Hassan Tawakal thanked the American people for their sponsorship of cultural and academic exchange programs through the U.S. Department of State, and for their partnership in alumni driven programs. Mr. Smith lauded the alumni for their leadership at devising and implementing empowerment programs on mainland Tanzania and the Isle of Zanzibar. He added: "As President Obama has said, the solutions to Africa's challenges lie in Africa's youth. You demonstrate the meaning of those words. The U.S. is committed to partner with you… and firmly believe that your ideas and initiatives are the most important component to strengthen your communities." The program included a poetry recital and basketball game between alumni, members of the police, and Zanzibari youth.

Please see U.S. Embassy Facebook album: http://on.fb.me/LE9yqz