Press Release
U.S. Embassy provides BAKWATA with TSH 38 Million to Implement Civic and Voter Education Programs in Lindi Region
July 29, 2009
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Larry André last week inaugurated a U.S. Democracy and Human Rights project that provides Civic and Voter Education to the people of Lindi Region. This grant provided TSH 38 million to the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA) to implement this community education program. During the event, Chargé d’Affaires André noted, “All citizens, regardless of race, tribe, or religion, enjoy equal legal and civil rights. All Tanzanians have the right to insist that their government is accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.”
BAKWATA has held training seminars for community leaders and residents using the United Nations Development Program curriculum for Civic and Voter Education. Over the past year, citizens trained through the program have taken the curriculum throughout the Kilwa District. They have held civic education seminars in the Muslim community and collaborated with Ward Executive officers to reach Kilwa’s non-Muslim citizens.
Each year, the U.S. Embassy’s Community Grants Program directly provides money to community groups whose projects aid their local town or village. These grants come directly from the American People to the Tanzanian People. The Voter Education project launched on July 22 is part of the U.S. Government’s overall direct and multilateral assistance to Tanzania of more than TSH 750 billion in fiscal year 2009.