Press release

Top USAID official for Africa visits Senegalese high school

DAKAR, Senegal, July 21, 2005 -- Lloyd Pierson, Assistant Administrator for Africa at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), today visited the John F. Kennedy High School in Dakar, Senegal, to highlight the Bush Administration's efforts in Africa and USAID's efforts to improve education in Senegal. The school, funded by USAID in 1967 for girls in Dakar and its surroundings, is now one of the top educational institutions in the country.

"This school, a gift from the American people, is a lasting mark of our long-standing and fruitful cooperation with the people of Senegal," stated Pierson. "Our initial investment in your future women leaders nearly forty years ago has certainly paid off. The quality education several generations of girls have received at this school helps them contribute a great deal to the development of Senegal."

Pierson also noted that this visit just after the important AGOA Forum should send a clear signal that education is an essential part of ensuring sustainable growth. USAID's current efforts to help improve education in Senegal include financing the construction of thirty middle schools in rural areas so young Senegalese can continue their education close to home. These schools will open in September, thanks to dedicated collaboration with the local communities.

Pierson also spoke about what the Bush Administration is doing across Africa under the Africa Education Initiative (AEI). Three weeks ago, President Bush announced an additional $400 million for the continuation of this initiative to improve the quality and accessibility of basic education for millions of children in sub-Saharan Africa. Already under this presidential initiative, 85,000 scholarships have been awarded to girls in 38 countries and primary school children in Senegal and five other countries have received nearly two million new textbooks. Over 220,000 teachers in 15 countries have acquired new skills.

At the event Pierson was joined by Ambassador Richard Roth and USAID Mission Director to Senegal Olivier Carduner along with a group of prominent women alumni of the school.

In 2004, there were over 2,300 students at the John F. Kennedy High School. Through the Ambassador's girls scholarship program, USAID has allocated scholarship and mentoring services to girls coming from disadvantaged families.