Ambassador to Namibia, Joyce A. Barr arrives in Windhoek.

Ambassador Joyce A. Barr arrived yesterday to begin her post as Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Namibia.

A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Barr most recently served as the Counselor for Management Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Earlier in her career, she served as Administrative Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Ambassador Barr's public service career also included positions in Washington. As a Pearson Fellow she worked in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, where she focused on the AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa and on trade development. She also worked on human rights and international organization affairs at the State Department. Her education includes a bachelor's degree from Pacific Lutheran University, a master's degree from Harvard University and a second master's degree from the National Defense University.

Ambassador Barr was nominated as Ambassador to Namibia by President Bush and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate. She will assume her official duties in Namibia upon presentation of her credentials to President Sam Nujoma.

SECRETARY OF STATE ADDRESSES "TEACH AFRICA YOUTH FORUM"

Africa is a vital continent of great and growing importance to the United States, Secretary of State Colin Powell tells American students, reminding them that "Africa is never, never, not a priority" for him, for the United States government, or for the people of the United States. Addressing the "Teach Africa Youth Forum" at the State Department, Powell says Africa "is a part of the world that I care about very, very much. (complete text)