VZCZCXRO4503
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0274/01 1611252
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 091252Z JUN 08
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1961
INFO RUEHRY/AMEMBASSY CONAKRY 0006
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000274 
 
SIPDIS 
 
AF/W FOR OKEDIJI 
AID/W FOR NFREEMAN, AFR/SD FOR SMOTEN, USAID GUINEA FOR 
CBROWN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAID PREL KDEM PGOV SL
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PERRY VISITS SIERRA LEONE'S NORTHERN 
PROVINCE 
 
¶1. SUMMARY: Ambassador Perry, accompanied by USAID and PAS 
staff, visited Port Loko and Bombali Districts in northern 
Sierra Leone on May 29, 2008. Included in the Ambassador's 
site visits were two Ambassador's Girls' Scholarship 
Program (AGSP) schools and meetings with key regional, 
local and political leaders. These included a meeting with 
officials of the Makeni regional office of the Political 
Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) and several local 
election women candidates. The visit was a success on all 
accounts.  END SUMMARY 
 
----------------------- 
Port Loko and Bombali: Highlighting the Ambassador Girl's 
Scholarship Fund (AGSP) 
----------------------- 
 
¶2. The AGSP was launched in Sierra Leone in the 2004-2005 
academic year, supporting approximately 3,000 beneficiaries 
throughout Sierra Leone. Since then the program has grown 
to support over 4,000 girls and boys in 2007-2008. The AGSP 
school visits were worthwhile and the contrasts, striking. 
The Church of God of Prophecy Primary School in Magbontoso, 
Port Loko District boasts three classroom buildings with a 
grade per classroom.  In contrast, the Bombali District 
Education Committee School in Pate Bana Masimbo is one 
structure that accommodates an office and three classrooms, 
each housing two grades for a school that caters to pupils 
in six grades. The USAID-funded and managed AGSP sponsors a 
total of 82 pupils, 62 girls and 20 boys (this academic 
year) in the two schools. 
 
¶3. During her visit to the AGSP schools, Ambassador Perry 
addressed the young students, their parents, the school 
administration and community members. She emphasized the 
important link between education and good leadership. In 
each of the schools, the Ambassador made a special donation 
to the head teachers of "The Autobiography of Frederick 
Douglass" and "Little Women," providing the captivated 
audience an overview of the themes of both books - ultimate 
leadership and success resulting from individual commitment 
to education and hard work. The Ambassador also donated a 
box of books for the school libraries through the Embassy's 
Public Affairs section. Ambassador Perry listened to first- 
hand accounts about the critical value of the AGSP 
scholarships, which allow girls (and now some boys) who 
would otherwise be unable, to continue their education. She 
witnessed testimonies from girls who emotionally spoke 
about how this educational opportunity is irreversibly 
changing their lives and casting a brighter future with 
opportunities and hope. The Ambassador heard pleas from 
those present for the continuation and expansion of the 
program. 
 
------------------------------------------ 
Makeni: Civil Society and Government Visit 
------------------------------------------ 
¶4. The Ambassador's meeting in Makeni with Northern 
Province Resident Minister Alie Kamara and other 
stakeholders, including representatives of government, 
civil society, health, and education, was an insightful 
exchange of information and viewpoints.  Sierra Leone 
President Koroma's mother, Alice Koroma participated, as 
did Minister of Works John Saad, key local officials and a 
member of parliament. Minister Kamara expressed his 
pleasure at the visit of Ambassador Perry and encouraged 
her to return soon for longer deliberations. He also cited 
the need for further development and support to the North. 
He appreciated receiving the photo-journal book "America 
24/7" from Ambassador Perry, who explained the book 
reflected the wide diversity that makes America unique and 
great. The Ambassador also distributed a photo journal on 
historical Sierra Leonean Paramount Chiefs to each 
attendee. 
 
¶5. Ambassador Perry visited the Makeni Political Parties 
Registration Commission (PPRC) Regional Office, which is 
almost fully funded by USAID/Sierra Leone. While there, she 
met with the District Parties Code of Conduct Monitoring 
Committee and several female candidates running for the 
upcoming July 5 local elections. The PPRC monitors 
explained their important work to ensure that political 
parties operate fairly, peacefully, and within the legal 
parameters. A female candidate from Koinadugu gave an 
impassioned speech about the difficulties and obstacles she 
faces as a woman running for local office in Koinadugu. 
Nevertheless, she defiantly exclaimed she would fight all 
obstacles and win in July. Her colleagues enthusiastically 
 
FREETOWN 00000274  002 OF 002 
 
 
approved what she had said. 
 
¶6. Ambassador Perry's presentations at the meetings with 
the Resident Minister and other attendees, and the PPRC 
emphasized democracy, good governance, equity, rule of law 
and electoral procedures as well as conditions for economic 
growth and stability. Her visit highlighted the impressive 
work achieved by USG-funded election and human rights 
activities. The USAID electoral program and the Democracy 
and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) both have supported female 
candidates for the local elections, particularly in the 
northern province of Koinadugu District, the only district 
in Sierra Leone without a female local government 
representative for the past four years.  The Ambassador 
commended the PPRC on the conduct of the 2007 national 
elections and encouraged the group to maintain their 
fairness and effectiveness during these upcoming local 
government elections. She stressed the importance of 
including women in the electoral process through outreach 
and education. Ambassador Perry observed that all the 
candidates seem to be focused on ensuring another 
groundbreaking election for Sierra Leone. 
 
¶7. Attendees at the meeting observed a minute of silence to 
honor PPRC Chair, former Supreme Court Justice Warne who, 
had passed away the previous week in the U.S., where he was 
seeking medical treatment. Justice Warne was a highly 
respected and valued counterpart to the USAID team which 
worked closely with him while supporting the PPRC during 
the past year. 
 
¶8. Ambassador Perry's visit emphasized her commitment to 
promoting gender equity and educational opportunity in 
Sierra Leone. 
 
PRATT