Wednesday, September 5, 2007 (Addis Ababa, U.S. Embassy) – U.S. Ambassador Donald Yamamoto joined Her Imperial Highness Princess Mariam Senna Asfaw Wassen, Founder and CEO of Addis Wubet, on Wednesday, September 5, to sign a grant for the restoration of Mohammed Ali House, a pilot project for the Piazza District Revitalization Project of Addis Wubet in the heart of Addis Ababa. The Mohammed Ali House is listed on the World Monuments Watch List. The grant, in the amount of $25,000, 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 Yamamoto noted that Ethiopia’s successful participation in the 2007 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. He pointed out that the site preserved through this funding is itself a cultural symbol of Ethiopia. The Ambassador added, “The Mohammed Ali House is an exemplary demonstration of Ethiopian-American friendship and cooperation. Its location in the heart of Addis Ababa will make it a key showcase site for Ethiopia’s Millennium Celebration.”
Established in 2001, the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation is the only U.S. Government Program that provides direct small grant support to heritage preservation projects in developing countries. The U.S. Congress said of the program, “In efforts to assist in preserving the heritage of other cultures, we show our respect for them.” Previous grants to Ethiopia have supported conservation efforts at Hager Fikir Theater in Addis Ababa; Sheikh Nur Hussen Shrine in Oromia; Guzara Castle in North Gondar, and a needs-assessment study for the historic monument at Yeha in Tigray. This year, 94 countries participated in the Ambassador’s Fund. Ethiopia’s successful program was one of 57 projects chosen for funding out of a total of over 177 proposals.
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