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UPDATED: 01 Feb 2008 GMT
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Speeches

Remarks at the Ambassador’s Self Help Fund Check Presentation Ceremony

Venue: US Embassy, Dar es Salaam

Friday, February 1, 2008

Waheshimiwa wageni waalikwa. (Honorable invited Guests)

Mabibi na mabwana. (Ladies and gentlemen.)

Karibu sana.

Nimefurahi kuwa hapa leo. (I am pleased to be with you all today.)

It is my pleasure to welcome you all here this morning to announce the recipients of one of the American Embassy’s most important programs -- the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund grants.

Every now and then people ask me, “What is it that America stands for? What do Americans believe in above anything else?”

Well the answer is simple: We believe in opportunity. We believe in helping everyday people to get the opportunity to change their lives and their communities.

That’s what this event is really all about. These grants are targeted to assist communities at the village level. Because – as you know – real change always begins at the village level.

These grants are my Embassy’s answer to requests to support small community projects throughout Tanzania. The Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund enjoys a long history of cooperation with Tanzanian communities, dating back to 1965.

From Tunduru to Zanzibar, from Karagwe to Tarime, Self-Help grants have contributed to improving sanitation, educational facilities, economic development and water harvesting systems. The Self-Help Fund demonstrates the goodwill and commitment of the American people to assist in community development and in improving the lives of the people of Tanzania.

In the latter part of 2007, the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund committee approved 16 grants that total $70,000 US dollars to begin new projects in Tanzania. These grants will fund projects in the social services, water and sanitation, and social assistance sectors.

Each of these grantees has persevered through nearly a year-long application process -- and they deserve special recognition for finishing that process! -- to be here today to receive their checks and sign the grant agreement.

Among this year’s grant recipients are schools in Zanzibar, a tailoring cooperative in Njombe, and water improvement systems in Karagwe, Shinyanga and Temeke District here in Dar es Salaam.

Each of these projects will go a long way toward opening economic horizons, promoting development, and building better futures for Tanzanians from the grassroots level. Without a doubt, the highlight of this special fund is the fact that this is “people to people” assistance, from the people of American to the people of Tanzania.

In my home state of Wisconsin, many people live in small “village-sized” rural communities. In fact, my wife, Sue, who is here with us today, grew up in a small farming community in Wisconsin. These American citizens face and understand many of the same problems that Tanzanians in your villages are facing with essential services.

But these Americans also recognize that they come from a blessed country, and they know they are obligated to share some of their blessings with the people of Tanzania. And although the average Self Help Fund grant is less than six million shillings, we are confident that you will use these seed funds efficiently and effectively to improve your important community programs.

We believe in you, and we believe in your future. That’s why we stand with you and want to help you make your plans succeed.

Once again, let me congratulate each and every one of our 16 grant recipients. I know that the project managers here today represent the hope of villages in every corner of Tanzania.

My team looks forward to progress reports on how each of your projects is developing. And when your projects are completed, members of my team will be eager to visit your towns for the inauguration celebrations.

Congratulations to all of you, and good luck in your work!

Asanteni sana.