Ambassador Presents AGEN Women's Empowerment Grant

On September 14, Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt met with Tanzania U.S. State Alumni Association (TUSSAA) recipients of the $25,000.00 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) competition from the Office of Alumni Affairs at the U.S (the recipients have formed an organization called AGEN and are often reffered to as AGEN members). Department of State. The Ambassador presented the recipients with a gift camera and a certificate from the U.S. Department of State signed by Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Ann Stock.

The recipients are Fulbright and Hubert Humphrey programs alumni Mr. Rasel Mpuya Madaha, Mr. James Jesse, Rehema Monko, Mr. Felix Mlaki, Dr. Elinami Swai, Ms. Grace Mushi, Ms. Happy Kikwa, Mr. Bakari A. Bakari, Mr. Francis Edward Semwaza, Ms. Zena Kiwanga, Ms. Happiness Constantine, Mr. Peter Kabigi, Gift Tyea, Ms. Anna Chikoti, Ms. Wende Mpozi, Ms. Furaha Njovu, Mr. Awadh Awadh, and Ms. Diana Carvalho. Mr. Jesse and his fellows were accompanied by the following TUSSAA leaders: Dr. Peter Mateso (President), Ms. Grace Mushi (Secretary), Ms. Halima Mamuya (Treasurer), Advocate Victoria Mandari (Legal Adviser) and Mr. Peter Masika (Volunteering and Community Services Coordinator).

In his remarks, Ambassador Lenhardt thanked the alumni and AGEN representatives for their leadership promoting empowerment programs for women and girls. "Promoting active alumni programs is one of my highest priorities. I admire your leadership as U.S.-Tanzania alumni dedicated to 'giving back' to your fellow Tanzanians, and your ideas to promote Tanzania's development. It is essential to include the immense talents and contributions of women towards Tanzania's development. Your grant supports that vision. I congratulate you in that Tanzania was one of 38 chosen from a total of 683 submitted proposals, and look forward to our continued partnership." the Ambassador said.

In his remarks, TUSSAA member and AGEN's adminstrative Officer Mr. James Jesse (Fulbright alumnus 2007), thanked the Ambassador and the American people for their support for alumni programs. "We have been fortunate to receive opportunities that have served our professional goals, and are committed to strengthening our work to promote greater opportunities for young Tanzanians. We thank you and the American people for this opportunity to help women and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through funding our exchanges to the U.S. and through the AEIF, you have contributed to our ability to change lives and improve our country."

The AEIF competition offers alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs the opportunity to address global issues on local, national, regional or international level. The AGEN's proposal is titled, "Women's Empowerment in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa through Capacity Building and Training."

Courtesy of the US Mission in Tanzania at http://tanzania.usembassy.gov/ass_09142011.html