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Oaxaca, Mexico, June 16, 2005 – “The U.S. Government is pleased to continue cooperation with the Oaxaca Government on programs related to economic and social development. We are proud to support their efforts, as well as those of civil society in terms of judicial reform. We are also working with the local government and environmental, health and educational institutions,” said U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza today.
Along with Governor Ulises Ruiz, Ambassador Garza also announced the launch of the Rural Prosperity Fund, a U.S. Government initiative to support economic growth with an emphasis on environmental protection over the next three years.
“I am proud to announce that the people of the United States have created a new source of support through the Rural Prosperity Fund of one million dollars. The grants will focus on projects in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas,” said the Ambassador. The activities supported by the Fund will include production of sustainable forest products, eco-tourism, the cultivation of shade-grown coffee and other crops, as well as agricultural technology.
Ambassador Garza also visited the Monte Alban archeological site and met with indigenous teachers from Chiapas, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Oaxaca and Queretaro. The group of teachers will be traveling to the United States for a year under the Training, Internships, Exchanges, and Scholarships program (TIES), where they will attend Arizona State University. Upon their return to Mexico, the teachers will share their new skills and knowledge with their home communities.
Speaking to the group, the Ambassador said, “Education is an essential tool for development. These teachers will acquire new skills and broaden their horizons, enabling them to face the challenges of the future. I encourage you. I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity to improve your technical abilities, learn a new language, and learn about a different culture. Your efforts will be appreciated and will help improve Mexico’s capacity to compete globally,” added the Ambassador
Before his return to Mexico City, Ambassador Garza toured the Santo Domingo Cultural Center, escorted by Enrique Fernandez, Archaeologist and Museum Director.
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