Speech

Chevron Graduation Ceremony

Ambassador B. Lynn Pascoe

Pekanbaru | Saturday, April 29, 2006

I am pleased to be here to celebrate an important milestone:  graduation.  Together, you all represent a bright future for Aceh and Nias.  Your dedication over the past three months has been impressive.  Walking through the welding shop this morning, I was able to see and hear first-hand the kinds of practical skills you developed here in Pekanbaru.  Returning home to Aceh and Nias, you have the power to make a real difference in rebuilding your communities. 

The training program you participated in is part of a $10 million public-private partnership between the U.S. Government, through USAID, and Chevron Corporation.  This program has benefited almost 350 young men and women from Aceh and Nias; individually, by providing a chance to gain and develop relevant skills, and also communally, by taking these skills back to your communities.  Chevron Corporation has been an excellent partner.  Working with USAID, this partnership has very effectively brought together development expertise, resources from the public and private sector, and technical skills.  It has truly been a pleasure working with Chevron and I look forward to the next phases of this program, as there is much more to be done in Aceh and Nias.

There is no “right” way to help build back better.  Some of you may start your own businesses or join construction teams building houses, repairing schools, and improving roads.  Others of you may work in offices.  I urge you to be proactive as you seek employment.  It is a difficult task, but I know that many of the previous graduates have found good jobs.  We look forward to following-up with you over the next two years on your progress.

The cooperation between the United States and Indonesia in responding to the earthquake and tsunami disasters of 2004 and 2005 in Aceh and Nias has been remarkable.  Our Governments, businesses, and militaries have worked hand-in-hand to respond to critical needs, saving lives and reducing suffering.  Looking forward, much more remains to be completed.  The United States is committed to supporting long-term reconstruction and economic growth in Aceh and Nias.  Part of our long-term investment is this partnership between USAID and Chevron, which ensures that the skills needed for this reconstruction are there, right where they are needed most – in the affected communities.

As graduates, you have an important role to play back home.  You are no longer “the assisted,” but empowered to assist.  This is a serious responsibility, and you will be looked upon for leadership, knowledge, and dedication.  Having spoken to some of you this morning, and seen your work, I know that you will be very successful in the future! 

I know that you are excited to be returning home tomorrow.  Have a safe journey and congratulations on completing your training.  Thank you all, and I wish you the very best.