Madam Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Mfuko wa Utamaduni Tanzania, Prof. Amandina Lihamba
Members of the First and the curreent Board of Trustees
The Executive Secretary Ms. Rose Sayore
Invited guests
Culture activists
Ladies and gentlemen
It’s an honour and a pleasure to be with you here today and to have the privilege of addressing you at the closing ceremony of the Stakeholders meeting. It is an important event.
Six years ago, the Swedish Government, through Sida, entered into an agreement with the Government of Tanzania to establish the Mfuko wa Utamaduni Tanzania. This was a step taken in response to the needs of the culture sector as identified and prioritised by the sector stakeholders. It was an important decision and I am happy and proud to see it working as an important institution in support of culture in Tanzania. It is an interesting modality of support, which is innovative, gives room for professionalism, national ownership and sustainability and could be followed as a modality for support to other fields outside the immediate responsibility of the Government. The functioning of the Mfuko wa Utamaduni Tanzania is therefore followed with great interest by Sweden and others. I am convinced that the Board of Trustees and stakeholders will be able to proudly demonstrate to the outside what important role the Fund plays in the cultural field in Tanzania. In doing so other donors are likely to follow this example.
Madam Chairperson,Swedish support to culture is based on the belief that culture is central to development and particularly central when the society undergoes change. Tanzania is undergoing changes and is successfully fighting poverty and gradually transforming the society - often following examples that have been tried and imported from elsewhere. People are also giving up traditional ways of living in villages and move to cities. However, the cultural identity has to be maintained as an important fabric keeping people and society together during the bumpy journey. Travelling through Tanzania I am impressed to see the variety of expressions of culture. This riches should not be sacrificed, so again you have a very important role to play.
Madam Chairperson,I understand that Mfuko wa Utamaduni Tanzania has, for the last six years tried hard to involve stakeholders donors, the Government and others in the noble work achieving its objectives of promoting culture in Tanzania. Reports have been prepared, meetings held, publications of Newsletters and pamphlets. The Board has been transparent with the way Mfuko is being managed. I understand that the objective of this workshop was to evaluate Mfuko performance in relation to plans. Stakeholders have been involved in identifying the important issues in a participatory and transparent process. I commend the Board and the Executive Secretary and others for their efforts and hope that these efforts will inspire others. I encourage you to continue your important endeavour
I would like to take this opportunity – on behalf of the Swedish Government and Sida – to express our willingness to continued support to Mfuko wa Utamaduni Tanzania in the next phase.
I wish Mfuko wa Utamaduni Tanzania every success in all its endeavours.
I understand that I have now come to the point, where I should officially declare this meeting of culture stakeholders closed, which I hereby do.
I thank you for your attention.