New Grant Highlights U.S. Cultural Support
Agreement Helps Preserve Historic Mosque

August 18, 2005
No. 38/05

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – United States Ambassador Aurelia E. Brazeal joined Oromia Regional State President Ato Juneidi Sado on Thursday, August 18, to sign a grant that will make possible the conservation and consolidation of the historic Sheikh Nur Hussein Shrine in Anajinia, Bale Zone.  The grant, in the amount of $25,600, was provided through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, an annual competitive program of the U.S. Department of State.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Brazeal noted that Ethiopia’s successful participation in the 2005 Ambassador’s Fund competition was a sign not only of deep U.S.-Ethiopian cultural ties, but also of the American people’s recognition of the richness and depth of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage.  She pointed out that the site preserved by this funding was itself a symbol of the country’s religious history and diversity.  “Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Mission in Ethiopia,” she added, “I can say that we are honored to be a part of this project, one that I hope will draw attention to a site which is not only a part of Ethiopia’s national historic heritage, but also a symbol of the pluralist and tolerant version of Islam, and of religion more generally, traditionally practiced in Ethiopia.”

Previous Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation grants in Ethiopia have supported conservation efforts at Guzara Castle in North Gondar and a needs-assessment study for the historic monument at Yeha in Tigray.

The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation is the only U.S. Government program that provides direct small grant support to heritage preservation in less developed countries. In creating the fund in 2001, the U.S. Congress noted that "in efforts to assist in preserving the heritage of other cultures, we show our respect for them."   In 2005, 120 countries were eligible to participate in the Ambassador’s Fund; Ethiopia’s successful program was one of 87 chosen for funding out of a total of over 150 proposals.

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