[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 91 (Thursday, July 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF STELLAR MAMOTTO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to a woman 
of extraordinary achievement, her life an inspiring lesson of the power 
of great determination. Stellar Mamotto was born to humble beginnings 
in the Dodoma region of Tanzania, East Africa, one of four children. 
She strived for her educational development, not only for her own 
personal growth, but to be of service to her community. In 1995, Ms. 
Mamotto won a scholarship to study for a Certificate in Rural 
Development Planning and achieved the highest grade. She trained to 
become a teacher from 1996 to 1998. Just two years after qualifying, 
she was made Deputy Head Mistress of the Chilonwa Secondary School, a 
rural school in Tanzania's poorest region. Her involvement extended far 
beyond her educational responsibilities. She became dedicated to the 
long-term economic progress of the Tanzanian people through her work in 
community development and environmental sustainability in Chilonwa.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Mamotto knew that her own aspirations and the 
aspirations of the people she served in the rural areas of Tanzania 
depended upon her pursuing higher educational opportunities. So in 
September of 2003, as a result of her untiring efforts, her scholarship 
and her personal charisma, the resources to study abroad suddenly 
materialized and she found herself traveling to Canterbury, England 
where she enrolled in the University of Kent to study Environmental 
Social Science. Her remarkable journey took her from the bush to 
university classroom. Finally, through great perseverance and 
sacrifice, she completed her studies and today, July 13, 2006, will 
receive her BA from the University of Kent at ceremonies in Canterbury 
Cathedral.
  Mr. Speaker, each graduate's story is important. Some graduates, 
however, embody the hopes and dreams of millions of fellow countrymen 
and women. Stellar Mamotto's graduation represents not just the triumph 
of a single individual, but the triumph of the human spirit over all 
obstacles. And it represents a new beginning for Ms. Mamotto as she 
endeavors to take yet another step to even greater academic 
achievement.
  Mr. Speaker, Members of the United States House of Representatives, 
please join me in honoring Ms. Stellar Mamotto for her achievement and 
as she continues to strive to be of service to the people of Tanzania.

                          ____________________