VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHEG #0983 1510808
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 310808Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 2762

UNCLAS CAIRO 000983 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ELA, PRM/AFR, PRM FOR LANGE, PRM FOR 
GILMORE, PRM FOR AUSTIN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREF PREL EG
SUBJECT: EMBASSY CAIRO RESPONSE TO FY 2009 JULIA TAFT 
 
REFUGEE FUND 
 
REF: STATE 14280
1.(U) Embassy Cairo is pleased to propose the following three projects, for funding by the FY 2009 Julia Taft Refugee Fund, to assist the refugee communitites in Cairo. The total amount of funding for the three projects is USD 19,350. The delivery of refugee assistance in Cairo's urban setting is problematic since refugees are spread out over thie metro area of approximately 20 million inhabitants. This leaves tremendous gaps in assistance, and the three projects that Embassy Cairo selected meet gaps in ongoing local refugee programs that are not being effectively addressed by UNHCR, other international organizations, or non-governmental organizations. Since this is the first time that Embassy Cairo has participated in the program, we agreed with PRM's Brennan Gilmore to award three projects to spread out the assistance and maximize the reach of USG funds to the Cairo refugee community.

2.(U) The first project for which we recommended funding is a youth sports program for Sudanese refugees, which is sponsored by the Sudanese Refugee Child Sports Association. The Association will rent soccer fields, provide sports training, sports equipment, athletic clothing and employ security for the venues. The cost of the project is 25,840 Egyptian pounds (USD 4,700). One of the biggest problems with Sudanese youth in Cairo is involvement in gang activities and alcohol and drug abuse. The proposed sports programs would provide soccer and basketball teams for youth aged 6-16. This programs would funnel youth energies into positive activities and encourage the youth to work as a team. The project would give Sudanese youth, who spend most of their days on the street, productive activities to fill their time and a safe place to meet and discuss relevant issues to their community as well as reduce violence among the refugees.

3.(U) The second project that we recommend funding is the Africa and Middle East Refugee Assistance (AMERA) project to identify and protect asylum seekers and those that have had their refugee files closed and those in prison with direct psychosocial services and outreach. AMERA was established by AUC Professor Barbara Harrell-Bond to fill the gap in refugee legal support and counseling. The total project cost is 190,468 Egyptian pounds (USD 34,630) of which the Julia Taft Fund has been asked to contribute 28,000 Egyptian pounds (USD 5,100), which will fund transportation, interpretation and emergency house, health, food and transportation assistance for refugees. The project will result in the development of three refugee psychosocial needs assessments, facilitate self help groups, and provide training workshops for refugee service providers.

4.(U) The third project that we selected is Sacred Heart Church's "Project Bakhita," which provides English and computer vocation training for 500 refugees aged 16-35. Total project costs are 97,400 Egyptian pounds (USD 17,710). The Julia Taft Fund will provide 52,400 Egyptian pounds (USD 9,550), which is over 50 percent of the funding for this project. Sacred Heart Church is a Roman Catholic Church and the largest provider of education services for the Sudanese refugee community. The project will provide members of the African community refugee community the opportunity to develop marketable computer skills, and help them create livelihoods no matter where they will live in the future. It will give youth aged 18-26, who comprise 78 percent of the students in the program, a positive outlet and take them off the streets. It will also give the participants in the program access to Internet and e-mail services, which will allow them to stay in touch with the home communities in Sudan and the Horn of Africa.

5.(U) Embassy Cairo appreciates the opportunity to participate in PRM's FY 2009 Julia Taft Refugee Fund. SCOBEY