At a ceremony held at the National Library and Archives in Balbala, U.S. Ambassador Cynthia Kierscht addressed graduates of the LEAD English Program, an intensive language course supported by the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti. The event recognized young men and women who completed the three-month program aimed at strengthening their English skills.
Ambassador Kierscht commended the students for their commitment to learning a new language. "Over the past three months, you, the students , have shown dedication, enthusiasm, and resilience as you worked to strengthen your English skills and expand your opportunities for the future. Learning a foreign language is hard work. Trust me when I tell you, I know what it’s like. I can relate to the struggles you have probably experienced on your foreign language journey. But trust me also when I tell you that the struggle is worth it and I applaud you for your hard work."
She highlighted that one of the embassy's goals is to foster connections with local communities through educational initiatives funded by grants from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. According to Ambassador Kierscht, "One of our goals at the U.S. Embassy to build bridges and make connections with communities here in Djibouti. Grants from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs allow us to achieve this goal. The LEAD Program reflects the very best of what these grants and our American Corners offer: spaces for learning, growth, and relationship-building. Whether here at the Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales or at the American Corner downtown, these centers are more than just libraries—they are places where youth like you can come together to exchange ideas, learn new skills, and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges."
She noted that participants in this program have demonstrated readiness to face future challenges by acquiring English proficiency—a skill she described as vital for accessing information, connecting globally, and contributing to national development.
"You, the young adults who have gone through this program, have already shown that you have what it takes to meet those challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that life brings. English is more than a language—it is a tool that opens doors. It gives you access to new knowledge, connects you to global networks, and equips you to contribute to Djibouti’s development in powerful ways. By investing in English education, we are investing in Djibouti’s future leaders, innovators, and changemakers," said Ambassador Kierscht.
The ambassador also thanked Director General Mohamed Houssein Doualeh for his leadership at the library as well as Library Director Elmi Mohamed for hosting the event. She acknowledged trainers Susan Marshall, Ahmed Omar, Fathia Mohamed Houssein, Hamze Houssein and Oumalkaire Khan Ibrahim for their contributions.
In her closing remarks directed toward graduates she stated: "To the graduates: you should be proud of what you have accomplished. This program is only the beginning. I encourage you to keep practicing, keep pushing yourselves, and keep using your English to build bridges—with your peers here in Djibouti and with partners around the world."
"The U.S. Embassy is proud to support you, and we look forward to seeing the impact you will make in your communities and in Djibouti’s future.
Congratulations—and thank you."