Programs and Events
United States Congressional Delegation to Quibdo
Remarks of U.S. Congressman Gregory Meeks
Chairman Tom Davis, Congressman Elijah Cummings, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Congresswoman Jean Schmidt, Eduardo García Rector of Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó. Also attending the ceremony was Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.
Physical distance is no barrier to the collaboration with the people of Chocó. Together, the United States and Colombia are working to increase educational opportunities for Afro-Colombian and indigenous populations. Just last week, the U.S. government approved funding of $40,000 for a Conservation Project to document the cultural expressions of the people in the Animas-Nuqui Corridor of Chocó.
The Martin Luther King Fellowship Program assists Afro-Colombian students with a high potential for leadership to improve their English language ability. This will open opportunities for employment and for study abroad.
On behalf of the U.S. government and with my colleagues, I am proud to announce the creation of a Martin Luther King Fellowship Program for students of the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó in Quibdó. This initiative is made possible with the collaboration of the binational center in Medellín.
We, in the U.S. Congress, realize how important education is for the people of Colombia, especially the young people here in Chocó. We also recognize the high value Colombians themselves place on getting the best possible education. Therefore, we are pleased to support the Martin Luther King Fellowships honoring a great American and helping Afro-Colombians help themselves.
Quibdó, Chocó
August 5, 2006,